They’ll be in unchartered waters but Pete Garnier and Canada’s entry at the bass fishing world championship will at least be able to rely on familiar tactics when the tournament begins Thursday. The Canadian team participated in practice sessions Tuesday and Wednesday on Lake Bolsena, located in the Italian province of Viterbo. It’s Europe’s largest volcanic lake at 13 kilometres long and 11 kilometres wide, with a maximum depth of 150.
9 metres and a surface area of 113.5 square kilometres. The last volcanic activity was around 104 BC.
The lake has many introduced species, including largemouth bass, northern pike, mullet and freshwater crab. During practice, Garnier and the Canadian team found some recognizable conditions. “The clear, vegetation-rich waters present bass habitat that we’re all familiar with,” said Garnier, Canada’s captain.
“However, the team quickly introduced several presentations more akin to catching smallmouth bass. “We’ve had success with typical power fishing baits but very particular non-standard retrieves have been required to dupe these super-sensitive bass.” Joining Garnier, of Trenton, Ont.
, on the Canadian squad are David Chong, of Aurora, Ont., co-captain Phil Curtis, of St. Catharines, Ont.
, Brent Valere, of Mississauga, Ont., Adam Foster, of Charters Settlement, N.B.
, and Scott Sheridan, of Campbellford, Ont. Marg Garnier, of Trenton, is the team’s administrative assistant while Brandon Landry, of Cambridge Narrows, N..