This article is from the June 2008 Northern Business Journal

By Jennifer Hamilton-Mccharles  'Callander'

Rob Hyatt has an interesting way of making a living. With more than 20 years experience in tournament fishing and charters, the Callander fisherman has earned a reputation among anglers.

"I'll never get wealthy being a full-time fisherman, but I'm a happy guy," Hyatt said, while he sat on his dock overlooking Lake Nipissing.

"I've lived close to the water most of my life, so really all I've ever done was fish."

Hyatt's first job was cutting grass at his grandparent's cottages on the shores of Lake Nipissing.

He worked at the resort part-time throughout his teenage years as a fishing guide on Lake Nipissing, Lake Nosbonsing and Trout lake, until he decided to pursue another career.

Hyatt didn't spend too long away from the water. He secured a job on a well drilling rig and then went to sell building supply materials before returning to the lake.

Now he's the main man at Rob's Fishing charters and Ice Bungalows on Lighthouse Road on Lake Nipissing's splendid south shore.

"I guess I've been a full-time fisherman for 14 years. I've had some good tournament years and a lot of fun."

It's a yearly tradition for Hyatt to kickoff the fishing season with his wife and then it's full swing ahead.

He said despite high gas prices, confusion over passport regulations and a high Canadian dollar, business is still going well.

"Most of my clients are from the Golden Horseshoe area and I still get many American tourists once kids are out of school." Hyatt said, adding the most popular fish species his guests want to catch are walleye and pike.

"To me it doesn't matter. I like to eat all kinds of fish. I really doesn't have a favorite."

Hyatt applauds the new slot size regulations for Lake Nipissing and expects anglers will see the payback this year.

"The slot size is really good for the lake. the lake is being fished more every year and there's no other way to curb what comes out of the lake besides reducing the catch limits," he said.

"Happiness is setting the hook, it's all fun and fishing does have some degree of luck."

There's no question Hyatt loves fishing, however he prefers summer tournaments.

"It's all about trying to figure the fish out and where to go to get the biggest."

posted by ros