Jamie Pistilli and Big Jim McLaughlin
Photo by Don TheoretOn the first evening of the Ottawa Boat and Sportsman show, members of the fishing community from across North America gathered to pay tribute at a special dinner to honour one of Canada's most respected anglers - "Big"Jim McLaughlin whom has been battling cancer. Nobody in the Canadian fishing industry has done more then Jim to increase the sport of fishing and attract new anglers to the sport of fishing. The huge crowd was a true testament to that.

Each year, Mr. McLaughlin donates over 100 days to helping and educating new anglers. Industry reps, company executives and many people from best tournament anglers made the trip to ensure they were there to honour "Big Jim." Personally, Jim has spent countless hours helping me achieve some of my fishing goals.

Fishing icon, Bob Izumi made the trip to show respect to his old friend and throw a few jabs along the way. Bob also helped bump up bids during the event's live auction which helped raise funds for Jim and his family the attendees were very generous as were all the donations from the fishing community.

Tom Brooke of Shimano flew in the day of the event from California to say some heartfelt words and be there for his long-time friend. The speeches made you laugh and at times made your eyes swelled up too...

Canada's fishing funny man Dave Mercer had the room in stitches as he told hilarious and some might say, x-rated, stories of old times on the water with Jim.

Jim says a few words at the event.
Photo by Rob JacksonJim then took the microphone and the place was silent , listening to every word and soaking up the experience. Again, Jim had the group laughing and crying.

After the special event, Jim spent the rest of his weekend working with his wife Tammy along with a great group of volunteers at the Minto casting pond. Thanks to this unique element at the Sportsman Show, many young anglers walked away with some great prizes and a new love for the sport of fishing.

Special thanks to all the great anglers, organizers and companies who helped make this one special night and a sincere thank you to "Big Jim" for all that you have done for me and kids of all ages.

A note of thanks goes to:

Ray Sriubiskis ,Tim and Ray Allard, Muskies Canada, Alta Vista Animal Hospital, Curtis Atwater, Ocean Kayak ( Johnson Outdoors), Bennett's Bait and Tackle, Ontario Place Corporation, BMO- Nesbitt Burnes, Doug Brownridge, Dave Chong, Clam Corporation, Richard Collin, Cundall Painting, The Emporium, Excalibur Crossbows Inc, Festival Promotions, Lee Fornier, Sandy Grant, Jeff Gustafson, Sheldon Hatch, Holiday Inn, Bob Izumi- Real Outdoors, Kistler Rods, KTL Canada, Terry Kingsbury, Lindner Media, Loch March Golf Clubs, Grizzly Outdoors, Musky Hunter Magazine, Minto Developments, Normark, Rick McCrory, Ontario Out of Doors, JP Ostiguy, Ottawa Senators, Ottawa 67's, Paddlestales - Ed and Sandy Puddlephat, Perry's Tackle, Rob Jackson, Gord Pyzer, Radio World, Renegade Bass, Reserve Beauchesne, River Rat Lures, Wally Robins, Paul Shibata, Rogers, Scotty, Shimano, OFAH, Turpin Auto World, Wil Wegman, Wilderness Tours and Zebco

Jamie Pistilli
Host- Big City Fishing
Ocean Kayak Pro Staff
www.fishchelsea.com