1901 “The Season Premier”
Join host Bill Saiff III as he previews many of the great fishing adventures coming up in this year’s series of Rod & Reel. Great guests, fishing action and proven techniques will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. 

1902 “Do You Believe in Ghosts?”
Travel with Bill Saiff III and guests Jeff MacDowell and Brandon Shambo to the southern shore of Lake Ontario for spring brown trout action. The guys look back on some classic brown trout fights, and talk spring techniques as they field test Excalibur’s Ghost Minnow (www.lurenet.com) using planner boards (www.princesuperski.us) for shallow water trolling. Warm water along the shoreline attracts spring Browns like a magnet.  Sometimes these fish are in 4 ft. of water or less.  The Ghost Minnow will dive no more than 2 feet in normal trolling conditions making it a perfect choice for this type of spring fishing.

Lake Ontario’s waters can turn rough. It might be a good idea to have some Dramamine or other form of motion sickness prevention with you. Also, polarizing sunglasses and some type of sun blocking agent of at least SPF 15 are worth packing. Don’t forget that camera. Your trophy can be released and you can still have a beautiful re-creation made from a quality taxidermist.  For more information on Spring Brown Trout fishing on Lake Ontario log onto www.BillSaiffOutdoors.com.

1903 “Hot Zone Kings”
Early July represents prime time for fishing King Salmon offshore. This week Bill and guests tackle line burning Chinook salmon in the shipping lanes of Lake Ontario. Downrigger techniques www.cannondownriggers.com are the best way to get the bait down deep enough to land these monsters.  Today Bill uses a black/silver NK28 spoon in his high-speed presentation to these Kings www.northernkinglures.com.

Late June and July comprise the “Hot Zone” period for Kings.  While not highlighted in this program, the “Hot Zone” is also an excellent time to encounter Brown Trout, Steelhead and Lake Trout stratified at different depths in the water column.  This summer time frame is characterized by stable weather conditions.  Polarizing sunglasses and some type of sun blocking agent of at least SPF 15 are worth packing. Don’t forget that camera. Your trophy can be released and you can still have a beautiful re-creation made from a quality taxidermist.  For more information on King Salmon fishing on Lake Ontario log onto www.BillSaiffOutdoors.com.

1904  “Lake Trout-Low and Slow”
Big lake trout hug the bottom in deep water. By using Cannon high-speed downriggers www.cannondownriggers.com in combination with cowbells and flashers anglers can effectively put trophies on the wall. When the New York State DEC imposed a “slot-limit” on these cold water species in Lake Ontario, it created some doubt among fishermen as to what impact it would have on the sport. Today’s episode of Bill Saiff’s Rod & Reel will put that concern to rest as they land, and release, huge Lakers. 

Companies like Luhr-Jensen www.Luhr-Jensen.com   and Yakima Bait www.yakimabait.com  produce the various trolls that Bill utilizes behind his cowbell rigs.  Look for Kwik Fish, Flat Fish and Wobble Glos (peanuts) to be consistent producers. Huge Lakers can be targeted during the stable conditions of summer as they locate near bottom.  While summer is an excellent time, these same fish can be taken from May through September.  Don’t forget that camera. Your trophy can be released and you can still have a beautiful re-creation made from a quality taxidermist.  For more information on Lake Trout fishing on Lake Ontario log onto www.BillSaiffOutdoors.com.

1905  “Crashing the Bait”
When staging King salmon smash bait rigs during late August and September, the action can be wild!  Today, Capt. Scott Durant joins Bill as they ply the waters of the “Trench” near Henderson Harbor, New York. This famous fishing spot holds huge Kings late in the season and it’s the backdrop as the boys share their step-by-step approach to bait fishing success. To prevent “the bite-off”, Bill instructs his viewers on a little known trick. He also shares his knowledge on “running a pattern” and how to trim “ Super Teaser Herring.” www.fishcatcher.com.  

Giant King salmon are in the staging process at this time of year and are most active during the early morning and late afternoon.  Anglers should focus their fishing time around these parts of the day.  Staging Kings are also located closer to shore providing easy access for the small boat fisherman.  For more information on downrigging techniques visit www.cannondownriggers.com.   Staging King salmon will generally weigh between 20 and 35 pounds.  You can access additional information on Lake Ontario salmon fishing by logging onto www.BillSaiffOutdoors.com. 

1906 “Gators and Eyes”
 If there is one show that you record this year, this will be the one. Northern Pike and Walleye have long fascinated warm water anglers. Today’s program highlights two separate techniques used to isolate these fish. Capt. Dave Pratico joins Bill on lake Ontario as they fish planer boards www.princesuperski.us for Northerns.  Then Francois Poirier from Poirier Fish and Game Territory in Quebec. E-mail:Poirier.terr@ireseau.com), or Telephone 819-449-3032) hosts Bill as they float jigs for Walleye. Francois also shows his filleting technique as he expertly de-bones a Northern Pike fillet. 

When transporting fish in Quebec, remember to leave the skin on for identification purposes. For additional information on fishing regulations in Quebec, contact Societe de la faune et des parcs du Quebec www.mef.gouv.qu.ca. Tel: (418) 643-3127.       It is a good idea to exchange American currency into Canadian currency before leaving the country. Your personal gear is free from all duties and taxes. As for pets and radio transmitters, check with Canadian authorities regarding entry conditions and regulations. The climate in northern Quebec is inconsistent. Be sure to take warm clothing and high quality raingear with you. In the early season, bug shirts and/or insect repellents are a must. Good waterproof hiking shoes or boots can make your visit much more enjoyable.

1907 “The Fishing Gentleman”
Today the viewer gets to spend the day with Lake Ontario’s fishing gentleman. Capt. Paul Baldwin has been featured many times over the years on Rod & Reel and is a professional in front of the camera as well as behind the scenes. His expertise spans all the cold and warm water species of Lake Ontario. He has been a fishing mentor to Bill and today we get to spend the day with Paul, catch some great fish, and talk fishing history. Trophy Lake Trout and Trophy King Salmon make an appearance aboard the Rod & Reel Jr. in a program that highlights the benefits of the “slot-limit”.  Catching “doubles” is not an uncommon occurrence while deepwater trolling near Henderson Harbor, New York. Today Bill has a “double on” but still takes some friendly “ribbing” from Paul. 

The waters of Lake Ontario can turn rough, it might be a good idea to have some Dramamine or other form of motion sickness prevention with you. Also, polarizing sunglasses and some type of sun blocking agent of at least SPF 15 are worth packing. Don’t forget that camera. Your trophy can be released and you can still have a beautiful re-creation made from a quality taxidermist.  For more information on King Salmon and Lake Trout fishing on Lake Ontario log onto www.BillSaiffOutdoors.com.    For more information on downriggers log onto www.cannondownriggers.com 

1908 “The Giant Beneath The Falls”

Travel to Northern Quebec with Bill as he visits the spike camps of Sammy Cantafio’s Ungava Adventures. (www.ungava-adventures.com).  Guide Luc Dionne joins Bill as they pursue Lake Trout in Lake Sabrina and then head to the many river systems for brook trout. The action really heats up when Luc tries to land a beautiful brook trout while a monster lake trout is attacking it.

Caribou hunting and fishing often occur at the same time.  If your caribou hunt occurs before the end of fishing season, take a couple of lightweight high quality rods and reels. For tackle, orange colored  #3 Aglia Mepps spinners www.mepps.com and ¾ oz. Little Cleo and Pixie spoons are very effective. 

When transporting fish in Quebec, remember to leave the skin on for identification purposes. For additional information on fishing regulations in Quebec, contact Societe de la faune et des parcs du Quebec www.mef.gouv.qu.ca. Tel: (418) 643-3127.

 It is a good idea to exchange American currency into Canadian currency before leaving the country. Your personal gear is free from all duties and taxes. As for pets and radio transmitters, check with Canadian authorities regarding entry conditions and regulations. The climate in northern Quebec is inconsistent. Be sure to take warm clothing and high quality raingear with you. In the early season, bug shirts and/or insect repellents are a must. Good waterproof hiking shoes or boots can make your visit much more enjoyable. Do not forget your camera as you may very well experience an “once-in-a-lifetime” adventure. 

1909  “Here Comes the King”
Staging King Salmon move close to shore and provide angling opportunity for any fisherman that can get a boat in the water. These big fish are susceptible to a variety of techniques. Today Bill shows the viewer his favorite 3 ways to connect on these fish. Our program today illustrates the use of “J plugs” www.luhr-jensen.com, “Flashers with a bait harness and Super Teaser Herring, ” www.Flasher@fishcatcher.com, and finally using a “Howie Fly” www.howiestackle.com behind a “Flasher and Dipsey Diver”.

While all of these techniques can be individually effective for taking Kings, it’s the combination of the three that can add real excitement to salmon fishing.  The month of September is an excellent time to employ these techniques while fishing the great lakes.  Changeable weather conditions prevail during the early fall so attention to some type of motion sickness prevention is a must.  Expect the biggest Kings of the season at this time. For more information on King Salmon fishing on Lake Ontario log onto www.BillSaiffOutdoors.com.

1910 “Brook Trout of Wedge Hills”
The George River in Northern Quebec is the background for this spectacular look at the Canadian wilderness. Brilliant “Quebec Reds” give Bill Saiff II all he can handle while he try’s to master the fly rod. Breath taking beauty, magnificent wild life footage, and a lot of laughs make this classic episode of Bill Saiff’s Rod & Reel one of the best in this seasons lineup.

Wedge Hills Lodge is located on the famous George River in Northern Quebec. www.wedgehills.com   phone 1-800-561-8548 Fax. (418) 585-3555  E.mail: info@wedgehills.com.

When transporting fish in Quebec, remember to leave the skin on for identification purposes. For additional information on fishing regulations in Quebec, contact Societe de la faune et des parcs du Quebec www.mef.gouv.qu.ca. Tel: (418) 643-3127.

It is a good idea to exchange American currency into Canadian currency before leaving the country. Your personal gear is free from all duties and taxes. As for pets and radio transmitters, check with Canadian authorities regarding entry conditions and regulations. The climate in northern Quebec is inconsistent. Be sure to take warm clothing and high quality raingear with you. In the early season, bug shirts and/or insect repellents are a must. Good waterproof hiking shoes or boots can make your visit much more enjoyable. Do not forget your camera as you may very well experience an “once-in-a-lifetime” adventure.

1911 “The Sky’s The Limit”
April is a time when anglers have an opportunity to land a wide variety of fish in shallow water. Lake Ontario is famous for surprising anglers of all ages as it has an abundance of Lake Trout, Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, and Coho Salmon.Today Bill Saiff II and Bill Saiff III land all of these species using planer board techniques www.princesuperski.us. If you want to put more fish in the boat while trolling cold-water lakes, then do not miss week’s episode of Bill Saiff’s Rod & Reel.

Extra caution should be used anytime you are in a boat in early spring situations on the great lakes. Hypothermia takes only a few minutes in very cold water so be sure everyone on board has a flotation device close by. Plan on taking warm cloths for the early morning temperatures, but dress in layers as the sun can make the afternoon experience quite comfortable.

1912 "Caio Catfish"
Bill's long-time friend Mark McQuown, along with Englishman John Scott, travel to northern Italy to fish the Po River for monster catfish. Guide Gaetano Borghi leads them into battle with five catfish weighing up to 100 pounds. Travel with them as they visit the cathedrals and castles of the medieval cities of Milan and Ferraro. Don't miss a single minute of this once-in-a-lifetime trip to "The Old Country." 

The use of Lowrance’s www.lowrance.com depth finder is the key to success boating these huge “denizens-of-the-deep”.

When traveling to Italy take a passport. Also be certain to exchange American currency into the Eurodollar before going abroad. One of the first things that you might notice when you arrive in Italy is that you won’t find a good cup of coffee. You will have no problems purchasing espresso or cappuccino, but if you are used to regular coffee take it with you. You will need to take an electric converter to use 110 power appliances such as coffee brewers, electric razors or hair dryers. Italians drink a lot of beverages warm, such as beer and wine. If you enjoy a cold beverage while on the boat or in your room you will find it difficult to find ice. Take some type of reusable icepacks along with a cooler, and ask your hotel attendant if they will put it in the restaurant freezer. The language barrier can be another problem, although several restaurants do offer menus in English. Dinning generally is late, at the earliest 8:00 to 9:00 in the evening. Plan on taking one and a half to two hours for diner. It is an experience that you won’t want to rush. It may take you a day or two to get yourself acclimated to the time change so try to plan on relaxing for at least the day of arrival. We found the Italian people very friendly, helpful, and hospitable. 

1913 “Ocean Reef Yellow Tails”
Heralded as one of the world’s premier saltwater sportfishing destinations, Key Largo, Florida offers sensational fishing opportunities year-round www.fla-keys.com. This week Capt. Tom Hamilton www.floridakeysfishingcharter.com joins Capt. Bill Saiff III aboard the “Top-Gun” for fast action on yellow tail snappers, mangrove snappers, and blue runners. Learn the proper techniques for “chumming”, “how to “not-sting-a-fish” and lots more on today’s exciting episode of Rod & Reel. Landing the tenacious fighting yellow tail snapper is just half the fun. C. J Berwick, co-owner of the famous Fish House Encore Restaurant, www.fishhouse.com shares her secret recipe for preparing this delicacy for the table. 

Common sense would dictate that daytime temperatures in the Florida Keys, the southernmost region of the continental United States, would average significantly higher than in the nation’s northern climes. Surprisingly, that assumption is incorrect. Situated between the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Keys’ unique geographical location benefits from ocean breezes that keep temperatures moderate all year.  That doesn’t mean to forget the sun-block however, or plenty of cool drinks while enjoying your day at sea. 

Visitors bound for the Florida Keys can receive a free vacation information kit by calling the Florida Keys & Key West Visitors Bureau at 1-800-FLA-KEYS or access the Key Web site at www.fla-keys.com. 

Meals for Bill Saiff III were provided in part by The Ocean Reef Club www.oceanreef.com. Transportation provided by Stuart Newman Associates www.fla-keys.com/media.  Guide services provided by Capt. Hamilton www.floridakeysfishingcharter.com Business phone (305)-853-9840 cell phone (305)-240-3474. Food preparation provided by The Fish House Encore Restaurant and Seafood Market P.O.Box 3050, Key Largo, Fl 33037.  www.fishouse.com. Telephone (305) 451-4665. Toll free 888-451-HOOK.  Fax. (305)-451-1727.
Email thefishhousekl@aol.com.