Chris McMillan – First New Contributor of 2010

Chris McMillan is our first addition to the contributors list for 2010. Chris is a friend of a friend, that came to me with serious recommendation. While Chris and I had never met before the event, after a full day of working together and shooting, the event it was pretty clear to me that Chris is just as into photography and videography as we are in to fishing. He has the fury. For those interested Chris was shooting the event on a Nikon D700, with full frame CCD. Some very serious gear. I’m definitely hoping that we can work together again in the future, perhaps on some video next time.

Chris McMillan
Chris McMillan is a photographer, videographer, movie buff, and all around eccentric person. He enjoys shooting time lapse photography and exploring the different aspects of still photography. Chris is what you might call a “photography nerd”, he is very knowledgable on the technical science of photography and his understanding of light and optics allows him to create almost any desired effect. Chris is also big fan of practical applications of those skills and camera effects to come up with solutions in the field. Chris is based out of Burlington but works across the GTA and Ontario. To see more of Chris’ work visit his website Partners In Rum.

Chris’ Contributions: Event photography for the 2010 Toronto Sportsmen’s Show

Sportsmans Trophy Plaque – The Perfect Gift

I saved one of my favorite posts for last, I only apologize that it took me the week to publish it. This is my final post about the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, and as a final impression of the event and the people I met while I was there this was truly the icing on the cake. While touring the multi-leveled event I was caught off guard in line for the escalator. What at first glance I thought was an outfitters booth turned out to be something entirely unexpected.

Photo credit: Chris McMillan

Jordan Gooderham is the owner and creator of the Sportsmans Trophy Plaque, a personalized keepsake that you will proudly display in your home, office, or cottage. You might even hang it from your necklace like Flavor Flav. A perfect is example is this great musky hunter plaque of Sportsmans Trophy Plaque associate David Ingrassia who was on hand to snap a photo complete with plaque.

Photo credit: Chris McMillan

Photo credit: Chris McMillan

These plaques are the perfect gift for the person who has everything, I can guarantee you they have nothing like this, and your personal touches of photos and text make it one-of-a-kind. The applications for such a plaque goes beyond fishermen and hunters, and even with only a few templates Jordan has a proven that he can embue these plaques with emotion and intrigue. Making them as priceless as the memories that forged them.

Photo credit: Chris McMillan

I really think this is the perfect gift for the today’s digital-era catch and release fisherman. You can choose from several templates, upload your photos, and you’ve got a unique personalized gift for only $95. For the fisherman that takes home nothing more than photos, this brings those digital memories and experiences into the physical world where they can be displayed for all to see- where they belong.

It probably goes without saying that these plaques also make great awards to honour and recognize volunteers, members, and employees. I’m certainly not overlooking that application. In fact, I’m seriously considering making one of these awards the prize for our top 2010 contributors. Stay tuned for details!

REEL Animals!

I’ve got a few remaining post from the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show and I don’t want to forget them. One great booth I don’t want to forget was the Reel Animals Fishing Team where I met Captain Michael Anderson and Captain Al Keller (photoed below).

Photo credit: Chris McMillan

These guys are a riot! They’re absolutely mad drunk on fishing as best I can tell. Be sure to keep an eye on their videos and reports for some big Tarpon, Redfish, Grouper and more!

Bassaholics Lifestyle Apparel For The Angler

Bassaholics is a lifestyle apparel company aimed directly at the heart of the new breed of anglers. Their designs are detailed, explosive, and unique. The feel similar in style to Affliction, but geared to the fishing fanatic. Their silkscreens look good and they’re printed on quality shirts. While I was there I picked up two of these belts, one for myself and one for Clive. Not only do they have a sweet lure belt buckle, but they’re also rulers up to 50″, and have a bottle opener on the back with a magnet so you dont loose the cap!

Photo credit: Chris McMillan

Ashley Rae – She Loves To Fish

I met Ashley Rae of Team Shimano at the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show over the weekend. Ashley is an Ontario native that loves the sport of fishing. She is an avid angler, and has even been featured in Bass Man magazine.

This awesome video created by Ashley won her a trip to Tobago, the grand prize for the WFN Adopt an Angler contest. It’s clear that Ashley has both creative talents and a wonderful passion for the sport of fishing, well deserving of such an award. We’ll be keeping an eye on Ashley’s blog and youtube channel for updates and you should too!

Read more about Ashley on her blog She Loves To Fish.

Toronto Sportsmen’s Show Tackle Porn: Daiwa Zillion Coastal

This wraps up the Daiwa tackle porn, unfortunately all my photos of the Pluton came out too blurry to post.

Daiwa Zillion Coastal

Built specifically for the needs of the inshore angler is Daiwa’s new TD Zillion Coastal casting reel with the fastest gear ratio available in a compact saltwater reel of its kind.

The reel’s 7.3 to 1 gear ratio means every crank of the reel’s handle rotates the spool 7.3 turns, pulling in up to 32″ of line. The point is to keep a lure or bait in productive water as much as possible, with less time wasted in getting it back for another cast, especially handy when fishing top-water rigs.