Every tournament series has participants that go unnoticed. However, they regularly place high in the standings each season. This week's feature is one of those anglers.
Although we have not met, I look forward to meeting this angler at one of the tournaments this season.
I'd like to introduce this week's Northern Ontario Walleye Trail two-time championship qualifier, Trevor Bernath.
Q: Where were you born?
A: I was born and raised in Wawa, Ont. I have lived my whole life in Wawa.
Q: Who played a role in getting you started in fishing?
A: My parents introduced me to fishing at a very young age. My dad would often take my brother and me out camping and fishing for walleye on lakes in and around the Wawa area. During the summer months, we would also explore remote lakes in canoes in search of brook trout.
Q: As a youth, where did you fish, and for what?
A: As a youth, I spent much of my time on camping trips fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, and pike. When not out camping, I would often get on my bike and head out with friends to local creeks in search of brook trout. During the winter months, I would head out ice fishing any time I could to fish for brook trout, lake trout, and walleye.
Q: What age did you start fishing?
A: I started fishing at a very young age, not sure exactly but somewhere around four.
Q: How did you get into walleye tournament fishing, and why?
A: I competed in my first walleye tournament in the early 1990s. My brother Terry and Jamie Robinson had been fishing in the Timmins Cache Walleye Derby for a few years, so I decided to give it a try. After that, I was hooked. I have fished the NOWT circuit since the early 2000s. I enjoy competing against such a great field of anglers, meeting new people and spending time on the water doing something I love.
Q: What was your most memorial fishing experience and why?
A: I’ve had a lot of memorable fishing moments – from successful tournament performances to watching my two sons catch their first fish. My most memorable experience, however, was while fishing with my dad when I was 11 years old. My parents had just purchased their camp on Whitefish Lake, and I hooked into and landed a 10-pound walleye.
Q: List any anglers that helped you learn more about fishing over the years.
A: First in this list would have to be my dad – he introduced me to the sport of fishing at a very early age and spent countless hours with me on the water.
My brother Terry and Jamie Robinson steered me into competing in my first walleye tournament and shared tactics and strategies as I began tournament fishing.
I’ve had the pleasure of fishing with many knowledgeable partners over the years on the NOWT, along with my wife Trish, my brother Terry, my friend Travis Gendron and my brother-in-law Mark Lytham.
There are also many great anglers on the circuit that have shared helpful information with me over the years to start listing all of their names.
Q: List sponsors and tournament finishes.
A: Two first-place finishes, Geraldton in 2010 and Dubreuiville in 2015. Numerous top 10 finishes on the circuit over the years In the 2019 season, I had a third-place and two fifth-place finishes to secure a spot in the 2020 championship tournament.
Q: Biggest fishing supports over the years? (example: wife, family, and friends)
A: My family would have to be my biggest supporter. My wife has always supported me in my passion for fishing, encouraging me to compete in several tournaments each year and joining me when she is able. Together, she and my two boys, Braeden and Bryce, eagerly wait for the leaderboard to be posted or live stream weigh-in to begin to see how I did each day in the tournament.
Q: What are some of your favourite fish you like to fish for, and why?
A: My favourite fish to fish for would have to be walleye, of course. I enjoy the challenge of trying to pattern walleye in different bodies of water and from day today. They are also great to eat – nothing compares to a fresh walleye and fried potato shore lunch cooked on an open fire. In addition to walleye, I also enjoy fishing for brook trout, lake trout, and bass – each one puts up a great fight and make for a great catch.
Q: What is your favourite fishing techniques for walleye?
A: My two favourite fishing techniques for walleye would have to be bottom bouncing and jigging, depending on the body of water and weather conditions.
Q: Why do you fish walleye tournaments?
A: First and foremost, I love to fish. Tournament fishing gives me the opportunity to compete against a high field of anglers and the challenge of learning new water systems and fish patterns.
Q: Why did you agree to have your bio done?
A: I agreed to have my bio done in the hopes that encourage others to fish their first tournament and join us on the circuit.
Q: Any tips you would give to a new walleye angler looking at fishing the NOWT?
A: I would have to say that the most important thing is never to give up and do not be afraid to learn and try a new tactic when an old favourite is not working for you. Things can change quickly out on the water in a matter of minutes. You can go from a terrible day to a great one. It is not the most fish that wins a tournament, but being able to land a couple of nice ones.
Q: What would be some of your most significant accomplishments over the years of fishing?
A: I would consider being consistent over the years as one of my most significant accomplishments since joining the NOWT circuit.
With the coverage of the COVID-19 virus over the last month, I would like to thank Trevor for his patience on waiting to have his profile posted.
Remember to stay home so we can help stop the spread of COVID-19. If we do, hopefully, we will be able to enjoy our summer with friends and family this year.
Be safe, everyone.
