BPF Recent News

As is typical during any fishing season - things get busy! Okay, "BUSY" is an understatement. There is so much going on from April through to November that it's hard to keep up. Below please find some of the highlights from this season that I just haven't had the time to properly upload onto the site. Please check back in the next few weeks as I find the time to update the 'Recent News' portion of my webpage. You will find new pictures and stories to compliment highlights below:

Go Ride Ontario www.gorideontario.com is now up and running. After filming the promo video for this program Chris and son Grayden are now pictured on the website with full streaming video to be added shortly. This is the same video which will be displayed at all of the consumer shows during this year.

Chris and son Grayden are pictured on the backdrop for Ontario Boating. This display is set up and manned at all major outdoor shows in Ontario.

Chris has built a great working relationship with Normark over this past year. So, when he was asked to help out at a local fund raiser, he jumped at the opportunity. What started as a half day charter giveaway ended up as a full day and $640 raised for Knox Christian School in Bowmanville, Ontario.

Chris was Manitoba bound this fall and headed straight for Steinbach, home of Lund Canada. The reason? To have input into the design of an all new Lund boat that will take the market by storm. The boat is now released.

Chris will be running and Angler Young Angler tournament out of Southern Ontario this season. This will be the first of its kind in the south. This tournament will be televised.

Chris' role in the new nationally broadcast 'Ontario - Yours to Discover' television commercials and print ads as the Lund driving angler. Guest appearance and commercial star - Grayden Hockley, Chris' 3 year old son.

Seminar Schedule including those at DT Pro Nights, Personal Appearances, Canadian Tire and Bass Pro Shops.

February 2008 - In 1994, a very good friend of mine and fishing mentor, Duff Murphy, founded a charity program that he quickly built momentum with. His ultimate goal was to raise money for a worthy cause while doing what he loved to do best - compete in fishing tournaments. Although research programs were a serious option, he decided to donate the money he raised to those in need NOW. The charity of choice was the Children's Wish Foundation who grants wishes for children with life threatening illnesses. He aptly named the program Fish For The Wish. Click here to continue>> Lund becomes first corporate sponsor.

September - December 2007 - The Scugog Standard and I teamed up in an attempt to gather fishing equipment to be donated to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program. The program was a raging success thanks to Port Perry residents who donated as well as all of the program sponsors. Everyone who donated received a prize package from the sponsors. We were able to give the gift of fishing to many less fortunate children.

The grand prize for the contest was a day fishing with myself and Jude St. John and Mike O'Shea of the Toronto Argonauts. Second prize was an incredible DT Powersports prize package. Third place was an equally impressive Rapala equipment package.

Click on the logo to learn more about this fledgling program. The newspaper clipping sums up the prorgam and the banner below contains the radio interview I did on Toronto's FAN 590.

August 29, 2007 - I had a wonderful opportunity to host Shogo Motegi for a day of

fishing on Lake Simcoe. Mr. Motegi is one of the top ranked Japanese bass fishing pros (20th when he was here). He is very well known in Japan as a pro and appears regularly in all of their national magazines. Although language was an obvious communication barrier we managed just fine in the universal language of fishing...and of course with the help of very good friends, Helen and Patrick Chow. Mr. Motegi and I were able to get a few bass but as is typical of Lake Simcoe... Storms kept us off the big water for most of the day. We managed to catch a number of perch. Mr. Motegi’s first perch in fact. We exchanged baits that were unfamiliar to both of us.

A number of photos were taken and have found their way to Mr. Motegi’s website, the OSP Bait Company website which is one of Mr. Motegi's sponsors and major Japanese lure manufacturer and the Chow's pH Japan Lure and Cafe website. He sees a lot of hits on his site and he has also written about many of his experiences here in Ontario and has talked about promoting our province as well as a number of the new products he got to use while here... He was most excited about Lund boats.

Chris is excited about the possibility of writing stories for the Japanese market on the fabulous Canadian fishing opportunities available in this great country.

August 15, 2007 - The fishing industry took the trophy this year...but not much thanks to us! We fumbled this one a little. We spent more than an hour waiting around for a poker run - that wasn't running and then decided to go for 4 species rather than get big ones as we thought this is what would win it. Wrong on two counts. However, my good friends Pat Higgins (owner of Canadian Tire, Uxbridge and Huck Finn event founder) and Jeff Hodgkinson (owner of Canadian Tire, Port Perry who quite possibly fishes more than most pros) joined me for this day. We all had a blast with enough food on board to sink a ship - thanks to Jeff - and great laughs thanks to our friendship. The most excitement of the day came when Jeff hooked what we thought was a walleye -for our four species - only to find it was another smallmouth with literally seconds to go to get back to the weigh-in on time. It appears that this event is going to become an annual thing for us as we're already signed up for it again this year. We're gonna take it this year boys!

Summer, 2007 - So the fact that I am a busy dad on top of all of the time I spend away from home in my attempt to make a living doing what I love best... I have come to depend on a number of guides to whom I will be referring much of my guiding business again this season. I have become so busy that I can't tackle it all myself. No complaints from me! Of course those I refer to are not only competent anglers, outdoor professionals and entertaining to boot... I also ensure that they have the proper insurance and equipment to offer a safe and enjoyable trip. I now also arrange trips throughout all of North America.

July 20, 2007 - It never ceases to amaze me just how much work goes into organizing any event that I run. Two week long camps for 120 enthusiastic kids takes it to a completely new level. This is the reality of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Get Outdoors Leadership Camps. Truly, OFAH money well

spent. My hat goes off to the OFAH and each and every organizer involved with the incredible camps. There is a waiting list to get in and the councillors didn't disappoint this year. Lots of smiling faces indeed. This is the reason I am so proud to be an active part of these camps. I enjoy taking a step back from tournaments and guiding to take a kid or 60 fishing! I like to teach these kids how to throw a bait or two but sometimes I wonder who is really teaching who... as evidenced the the nice pike in the picture.

July 14, 2007 - After receiving a strange request to do a personal appearance for a housing company, I realized that the 'housing company' was none other than Kylemore homes. Kylemore, a company well known for its upscale housing at affordable prices wanted to arrange an event like no other. This Newcastle subdivision is located right on Lake Ontario and so it was decided that fishing should be part of the community and the open house. I immediately made a call to rally the support of fellow Rapala pro staff member, John 'Sedge' Sedgewick. We put together a very successful kids event for Kylemore. There were banners for each of my sponsors and prizes for everyone who participated in the casting competition for mini anglers. A television and photography crew also wound up appearing. Video from this event was aired at the 2007 Canadian Open at Angus Glen Golf Course. This is to be the first of many events hosted by Chris in this location. Plans for 2008 are underway.

From left to right - Chris signs autographs, kids pose for photo, sign-up tent assembled by main entrance, boat and truck on display

June 30, 2007 - Chris arranges for and sets up a Canadian Tire Port

Perry Canada Day Promo day. DT Powersports owner, Greg Booth, Rapala Pro John Sedgewick and Set the Hook Pro Peter Savoia lend a hand to make this event successful. Chris' big DT Powersports sponsored Lund is front and center for the day. Right at the front door. DT Powersports also displays their new Ranger boat. A kids casting competition was the highlight of the day with tips and plenty of fish stories were abound inside as the pros shared their tips. There were prizes for everyone in attendance thanks to the event sponsors... Canadian Tire Port Perry, DT Powersports, Set the Hook, Lund, Rapala and Premier Marine. A full back page ad (1/2 as seen on the left) advertised the day, a front page sports photo of Chris followed (click on image on the right) and there was further coverage during the event on country radio station KX96.

June 28, 2007 - After guiding Laurie Ypya, Ontario's Near North Executive Director and outdoor writer/friend Barney Moorhouse for a day on Lake Nipissing during this year's Outdoor Writers of Canada National Conference for which I was Site Chairman, Barney submitted an article retelling the days events. It's always flattering to have someone write an article about you but this is the first time that my name has gone into the Bancroft Times! Thanks for the article and sponsor mentions Barney!

June 2007 - There is much excitement around these parts for serious anglers as Canadian Tire Port Perry and Canadian Tire Uxbridge both accept the premium product line enthusiasts have come to expect from Peter Savoia's company Set The Hook. Pictured on the left is Chris and Peter at the official release event held at the Port Perry location on the July 1st weekend. After only a short time that day you will see empty spots on that wall as anglers bought the product up. It took Chris over two months of meetings with the owners of the stores to convince them to try the product and they have been pleased by the results. Look for the product line to expand to further CTC stores in 2008.

June 22, 2007 - On this day Chris, Leah and son Grayden welcome the newest edition of the Hockley family into the world - Jenna Elizabeth Grace. Amazingly, Chris and Leah arrange to give birth to their daughter mere hours before the bass fishing season opened. Despite resistance on Dad's part... I ended up fishing a tournament two days later while my wife and daughter were still in the hospital. Although I worried that I would pay for this later the weekend on the water came with no strings and a 22lb bag of fish weighed in. Love ya hon!

June 6-10, 2007 - It takes a lot of time and planning to put together a national conference at any time let alone one to celebrate a 50th anniversary! North Bay and the Best Western Hotel proved to be gracious hosts and the conference came together well. In fact, this was one of the best attended conferences in the history of the organization. "Setting up this conference with the committee had it's challenges but was ultimately very rewarding for all of us. It may be a while before I take on the role of Site Chairman again though! The list of speakers we assembled were world class, the outings arranged by Ontario Tourism were incredible and the meals and hospitality of the Best Western along with the event sponsors made this conference a success. The best part of the conference was acting as one of the guides for a day fishing on Lake Nipissing." I encourage anyone thinking of getting involved with the outdoor media to become a member of the Outdoor Writers of Canada. This is how I got my start in the industry I now make my living from.

During the conference I accepted a second year as the Central Region Director (Ontario) for the OWC.

Click on the newspaper clipping to see the article that followed my day on the water with outdoor writer Barney Moorehouse and Laurie Ypya, Executive Director of Ontario's Near North (with her first walleye). Also pictured is me accepting a thank you plaque for organizing the conference from past OWC Executive Director Bill Thompson and myself at the podium addressing the attendees during our craft improvement morning.

May 2007 - There was no doubt in my mind that we had accomplished what I had set out to do when he looked up at me and said, "I'll never litter again". The message was getting through. Not only were we taking a day to clean the waterfront but we were teaching these kids that littering is harmful to the environment and it ws sinking in. With the assistance of DT Powersports, Lund boats, township personnel, local school teachers Tim Brown, Dawn Elliott, Mark Cole and students we were able to put a major dent in the garbage along the causeway across Lake Scugog's southern portion. 60 full garbage bags worth! Lawn ornaments, tires, carpet, clothing, a muskrat skull and a VCR were some of the stranger things found.

As a result, Chris is honoured by town for assisting in their 'Clean Sweep' program of the community.

April 28, 2007 - "I was completely impressed with the first Huck Finn event I attended two years ago

and vowed to organizer, Pat Higgins, owner of Canadian Tire in Uxbridge, that I would not miss a single one again. I decided to try to get more involved by joining the panel of organizers for the event. It makes an already amazing event that much more rewarding," says Hockley proudly. An estimated 2500 kids and adults attended this years parade, festivities and fishing. There are freebies for everyone and prizes for the biggest fish and for tagged fish. Hockley's company Blitzcreek Pro Fishing donated a half day fishing charter to be given away in a draw. Pictured on the left are the organizers, including Hockley on the far right, that was published in the April 27th Uxbridge Times newspaper.

Hockley gives fishing tips over the speaker system in interviews done by event emcee Dan Pollard. 700 trout are stocked in the pond every year. Each year a different colour tag is used on a limited number of fish. This year we saw fish caught from the last two, identified by the colour tags. Not only is this event doing a great thing for the kids but also the community in stocking a urban pond open to angling during regular fishing seasons.

Blitzcreek Pro Fishing Joins Efforts with Pheasants Forever to Raise Money for Conservation Efforts

April 2007 - I met a very good friend in the industry when I was introduced to Ian Magee during my time with Canada In The Rough. Ian is a conservation officer with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Pheasants Forever Chapter President for the Niagara Chapter. When Ian approached me to help raise money for the conservation foundation by donating a fishing trip.. I had to say yes. Pheasants Forever is a phenomenal organization and I was proud to be able to help. Approximately $500 was raised through the live auction and Rick and Rickie joined me for a day on the water early in the summer. What a day we had! Big fish and lots of them. Rickie even got his first pike! Money raised for conservation, a fishing trip with dad and son - great memories. I look forward to supporting Pheasants Forever for years to come!

April 4, 2007 - "I was honoured to be approached by the Peterborough Bassmasters to do a seminar for them during a regular club meeting." Hockley continues, "the only problem was coming up with a topic that met all of the various angler backgrounds." The topic of the evening was 'Treating Your Sponsors Right'. The ice was broken with an initial introduction to the Set the Hook product line and the use of Spike-It scents and dyes. There were plenty of members in attendance for this evening and a great discussion was generated by the topic of the evening. "Many anglers commented when the evening was over that they now realized what they should be doing for their sponsors or to attract new potential companies for either personal or club endeavours. This made me really happy. There are a lot of incredible people and companies in this industry that do so much for fishing and fishermen. It's critically important that they are recognized for doing so. A great way to do this is to give back to sponsors what they invest in you," says Hockley.

March 17, 2007 - Following the success of the Writer's Rendezvous at the Spring Fishing show Hockley decided to initiate a similar meeting at this years Toronto Sportsmen's Show (TSS). Despite the OWC having a 50 year relationship with the TSS it had been many years since a meeting was held at this show. Walter Oster (far right in picture) and Ray Sriubiskis welcomed us with open arms. The room and a full lunch were arranged for us. Hockley had spoken with Gary Breitkreuz (far left in picture), the founder of the Canadian Outdoor Caucus, and arranged for him to speak at the meeting. Sadly, we had lost Jack Davis, former Executive Director for the OWC that week. His funeral was held on the same day.

The highlight of the entire show for Hockley was found in his presentation of a plaque in thanks for the 50 year relationship with the Canadian National Sportsmen's Shows. He writes,

"...when I was asked to present an Outdoor Writers of Canada award to Walter Oster, on behalf of the Canadian National Sportsmen¹s Shows, this year, I was ecstatic. The award was for their 60-year anniversary. The reason why this was such a proud moment for me was a personal one.

I grew up on a large farm just outside of Claremont, Ontario. Hugh Kortright, son of Francis Kortright, owned and lived on the farm. Hugh instilled in me the love of the outdoors. As a child, I would take daily walks with him as he pointed out birds, trees, fauna and wildlife. He described ecosystems and the importance of every creature within them. He also took me to the Kortright Wildlife Center, named after his father. Hugh instilled in me the passion that he and his father had shared which I now pass onto my children.

In a speech, which Walter had delivered to those in attendance of this years Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters conference, I discovered that in1948, Francis Kortright had founded of the Canadian National Sportsmen Show. Sixty years after the CNSS was founded and less than a year after my becoming the Central Region Director for the OWC I was able to present an award to Walter that represented more than 31 years of personal passion initiated by the very people I was presenting it to. I felt like I was finally able to thank the Kortrights for everything they had done for me. This was a proud moment I was honoured to be part of."

March 14-18, 2007 - After two successful years with the Spring Fishing Show the venue for the OFAH Get Outdoors Kids Area and the "Fish Like The Pros" Seminars, as presented by Chris Hockley and invited guest Jay Cooper, were moved to the Toronto Sportsmen's Show. The event was again a raging success and a total of five seminars were presented. All of Hockley's sponsors were again proudly displayed. "A very special thanks goes to DT Powersports, Lund Boats, Rapala, Set The Hook Bait Company and Canadian Tire Port Perry for all of their incredible donations that allow us to present these daily seminars to hundreds of children," says Hockley.

Spring - 2007 - In addition to the sponsors who have supported me over the years - allowing me to do what I do - this year has proven to be very successful in recruiting further support in the form of sponsorship relations. New this season are a number of companies that read as a veritable who's who in the fishing industry. A very special thanks goes to:

February 17, 2007 - Though a tradition since the inception of the Spring Fishing Show the 2007 Writer's Rendezvous was organized and run this year by the new OWC Central Region Director, Chris Hockley. "I had some big shoes to fill when Shirley Teasdale stepped down from this position. One of the first jobs was to organize an event at the Spring Fishing Show. This wasn't mandatory but it's something that I always appreciated as a member of the OWC so I couldn't let it go." With the help of Alison Degroot, of the Spring Fishing Show, a room was organized and a coffee break arranged. Our guest speaker for this meeting was Matt Nichols, editor of Ontario Out of Doors magazine. Approximately 60 members were in attendance. "I look forward to organizing many more of these meetings in the future," says Hockley.

February 12, 2007 - Formerly known as the Kawartha Fisheries Association, the new Scugog Lake Stewards have raised more than a million dollars for incredible rehabilitation and conservation projects all around the lake. Projects such as waterfront restoration, lake mapping, run-off control and nesting boxes are but a few of the dozens of projects this volunteer based organization has to its name. Hockley was honoured to be asked today to join the Lake Stewards in their latest project of producing a website that will not only encourage tourism in the area but essentially be the one-stop information compilation for anyone in or visiting the area. "They (the Lake Stewards) have asked that I act as 'the fishing guy' and help put together a list of tips and general information for anglers visiting the Lake Scugog area."

February 2007 - After many years as a member of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Chris Hockley has made arrangements to offer a 10% discount for clients on all standard trips booked through Blitzcreek Pro Fishing. "The idea is to reward members of the organization with a discount for their support of OFAH programs. As a bonus, those clients who sign up to become members of the OFAH will also save," says Hockley. "I can sign them up with a credit card right from the boat! The OFAH has done enough for me and the resource from which I make my living that I feel this is only appropriate,"

January 2007 - Anglers who were unable to catch the first airing of the Last Cull will be able to tune into the complete 13 episode reality show thanks to WFN. The Last Cull which was filmed in North Bay, on Lake Nipissing, three years ago was the first fishing based reality show to hit television. It originally aired on CHUM across Canada as well as in the USA on OLN. "It's always fun to see the show again. Although I did "draw the short straw" I would do the show again a million times. I met a lot of really great people while filming the series and I spent a LOT of time with fishing legend Roland Martin. The man just exudes fishing! What an honour." says Hockley of his experiences with the "Cull".

January 2007 - Chris has taken his "Guidelines" column to "Big" Jim McLaughlin who has agreed to a regular tip section written by Hockley. Look for Chris' first piece in the Winter 2007 issue of "Just Fishing" Canada's largest free fishing publication. Three quick tips for a great ice fishing season and a full thank you to all of his sponsors. Future pieces will include tips on tackle, species and techniques for catching more fish throughout Ontario. "I'm really proud to be writing for fishing icon Jim McLaughlin. 'Just Fishing' is in it's 14th year and can be picked up at any fishing shop or show throughout the province. Jim has also agreed to allow me to promote my sponsors in these pieces for which I am grateful." says Hockley.

December 14th, 2006 - Published in the Toronto Sun today is a piece on the positive reasons why you, as an outdoorsman, should be a member of the OFAH. Toronto Argonaut's Offensive Guard, Jude St. John and Chris Hockley are quoted in the piece and they openly share their opinions of OFAH members in the article. Both Hockley and St. John pull no punches and wear their feelings on their sleeve.

Look for more information here at, Blitzcreek Pro Fishing, on the chance to win some incredible prizes as well as the grand prize of a Muskie fishing trip with Chris and Jude during the upcoming 2007 fishing season.

Nov.13, 2006 - Outdoor photographer, writer and freelance journalist, Peter Wood, of Ripple Outdoors has taken on a new role of Outdoor Podcaster. Chris recently met with Peter at DT Power Sports after being asked to do a 15 minute online interview for an episode of "Go Fishin' ". A brief conversation that strayed to many different topics was the result. Listen to the interview online at "Go Fishin' Podcasts".

November 4th, 2006 - Chris has accepted the position of Site Chairman for the Outdoor Writers of Canada National Conference Committee. The conference is to be held in North Bay on June 6-10th, 2007. This event is traditionally attended by top writers from across the nation. Day trips, craft improvement seminars, silent auction, local site-seeing and dining are to be expected. " This is a big undertaking but I am looking forward to selecting a committee and working close with them to make this conference one of the most memorable in OWC history." says Hockley. He continues, " it's an honour to be asked to do this for the OWC especially in their 50th year anniversary. The OWC is the oldest writing organization in Canada."

Fall 2006 - After being awarded a Shimano National Writing Award for an article published in the the Summer 2005 edition of Real Fishing: Chris again makes the magazine only this time it's a congratulatory note for winning the award. A very special thanks goes to Jerry Wright, editor, for his kind words. Chris looks forward to writing many more features for the magazine. The piece can also be seen in the online news on the Real Fishing website.

October 15, 2006 - Blitzcreek Pro Fishing becomes a proud member of the CSIA. The CSIA is dedicated to preserving Canada's angling heritage. The Board of Directors, volunteers and staff of the CSIA / CNSF work hard to ensure that Canadians have ample recreational fishing opportunities and that fish populations are managed to sustainable levels. In addition, the Association oversees business practices of manufacturers, distributors and retailers with a view to maintaining the highest possible standards of consumer protection. To learn more about the CSIA mandate or to learn how they are promoting recreational fishing, government advocacy and industry networking - click here.

September 2006 - DT Power Sports hosts the well publicized media day being held by the OPP. The event was to bring attention to the safety program that is being run by the police service educating the public on the safe use of ATV's and Side-by-Sides in Ontario. Local television news stations were on hand to record the day. Chris is featured in many news reels that evening doing what he does best - selling.

Late Summer/Fall 2006 - Canada In The Rough was destined to be a raging success since its beginning one season ago. Following a stellar Season #1, Thomas Pigeon, Host and Executive Producer, doesn't disappoint in Season #2. Chris was fortunate enough to spend the entire season with Thomas and crew. Tune in to see all of this season's hunting action on the Global network.

See Chris in action as he hunts with Thomas for Ringneck Pheasant - As he professes to be a 'professional' eater on national television - or while enjoying the fine dining at Browns Bay Inn on Wolfe Island. Click on the images below to see Episode details and airing times.

August 27, 2006 - After hauling in the big one at the Simcoe qualifier, Chris and Dan find out that they have indeed qualified for the Provincial Classic to be held on Sept 9-10, 2006 on the Bay of Quinte. An incredible waterbody that both Hockley and Maw feel completely at home on. Although the gamble to go-big-or-go-home in the last two qualifiers drops the duo to 32nd overall they are confident in their ability to compete with the best. Classic result - a respectable 20th place.

August 27, 2006 - After Chris and season partner Dan Maw decided that they were definitely going to qualify for the CFT Provincial Classic they decided not to play safe and spent the last two tournaments of the season going for broke. Although the rough water made the ultimate decision to brave the big lake for the two full days a tough one, they were able to catch a 6.2 lb beauty that landed them big fish of the weekend. The smallmouth was caught while drop-shotting a 3" Wildeye Minnow (Silver Shiner).

August 24, 2006 - Sales are in his blood! Chris proudly announces his joining the DT Power Sports team today. "I look forward to selling the products that I have used so frequently in my outdoor endeavours. I certainly won't be heart-broken to have to sell Ranger and Lund boats!" Chris has accepted the job with DT knowing that the owner, Greg Booth, supports his ongoing participation and activities in the fishing/hunting industry. Please stop by for all of your outdoor power sports equipment.

August 16, 2006 - The 2nd Annual Industry Pro Am took place today on Lake Scugog out of Goreski's Lakeside Resort. Competitors were instructed to weigh-in 1 - Largemouth, 1 - Smallmouth, 1 - Walleye and 1 - Panfish with prizes for each category as well as for overall weight. Although Rebecca Bousfield of Black and Decker and I weighed in decent fish in 3 of the 4 categories, the walleye eluded us. Fun was had by most and there were enough prizes to be sure no one went home empty handed.

August 10, 2006 - While pre-fishing for an upcoming tournament Chris received a call from Rob Pye Communications Coordinator, OFAH. He had arranged for Chris to meet up with and take the Global news crew out on Lake Simcoe as part of an invasive species segment they were doing in light of the recent dead fish findings throughout the Great Lakes. Though the segment was cut down drastically and only 'choice' comments were selected: the interview went well. The segment aired Canada-wide on Global news that evening.

First Week of August 2006 (despite the date on the photo) - Peter and Sabrina, winners of the Toronto Sun/ Full Contact Fishing contest to spend a day on the lake with Eric Lindros and professional fishing guide Chris Hockley, were swept off the Taboo Resort dock on Lake Muskoka for a fishing trip they won't likely forget.

The winners were in absolute awe of being able to spend time with Lindros who turned out to be the local "hotshot" leading us all to great catches of smallmouth bass on his home lake. As expected, Eric was incredible with the winners, answering any and all questions as well as partaking in some friendly fishing banter.

July 15, 2006 - Chris finds his way up to Haliburton to teach the kids in the OFAH Get Outdoor Leadership program how to fish for bass. The day is a hit with the over 60 kids that are participating in the event. Instruction in fishing, canoeing and conservation are all the hot topics of the day.

July 9th, 2006 - After months of planning the inaugural OPP / Bass Pro Shops / Full Contact Fishing Big Brothers and Sisters Pro/AM Fishing tournament is held on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The invitational Celebrity Pro/Am tournament on Lake Muskoka saw some of the top bass anglers in the country competing for prize money while, back on the docks of the NEW Downtown Gravenhurst, more than 50 Big Brothers and Sisters competed for prizes. This tournament is the brainchild of the OPP and with the assistance of Bass Pro Shops and Full Contact fishing the event was a raging success!

Chris competed in the tournament with Kris King, host of Full Contact Fishing. The day was filmed for an episode in the 2007 season. A good day was had by all with prizes, monies, free lunch, entertainment etc. A very special thanks goes to Bass Pro Shops, Shimano, Normark/Rapala, Maple Lodge Farms and the Bassmania Fishing Series. Without your support this event would never have

happened.

Pictured are the winners of the Kids Tournament. Chris takes them for their first ever ride in a bass boat on Lake Muskoka. According to Chris, "The smiles made the entire day worth the minimal effort to make this happen. The real heroes here are the Big Brothers and Sisters. What an incredible group of people!"

July 2, 2006 - It's a big day amongst the Hockley family as Grayden Hockley, son of Chris and Leah Hockley, hauled in his first big catch, "all by myself." At age 2 this not-so-little tyke is destined to not only be better looking but a much better angler than his daddy. Here's hopin'!

June 10th, 2006 - Chris receives a Shimano National Writer's Award in the "How-to Fishing Article Feature - Magazine" category. The feature article on fishing the Kawartha Lakes was published in the 2005 summer issue of Bob Izumi's Real Fishing Magazine.

"It's extremely exciting to have had my article selected amongst pieces written by nominees such as Gord Pyzer, Gord Ellis and many more. This is a real honour! This is my first entry of any sort for writing so it's kinda crazy to be able to call myself a National Award Winning Writer! A very special thanks to Shimano, the Outdoor Writers of Canada, Bill Thompson and most certainly Roger Brunt" says Hockley.

June 9th, 2006 - Chris accepts the Central Region Director Position with the Outdoor Writers of Canada at the Edmonton Conference. "I'm honoured to even have been asked to fill the position which came free when Shirley Teasdale decided to step down from the Board of Directors this year. There are some big shoes to fill here and I will do my best, with the help of the board, to fill them."

Pictured on the left with Curtis Atwater of Navico, Inc. (formerly Lowrance/Eagle Can.), corporate partner of the OWC, in a tense moment of head to head casting for the title of Conference Casting Champ. On the right is Chris with his first Goldeye. It was a great conference.

June 3rd, 2006 - She said YES! On this day Christopher Michael Hockley was married to Leah Evelyn Cook. Behind every good man is a woman that's twice as good! She supports his crazy lifestyle and they live happily every after. This picture was taken while Chris' groomsmen were fishing. No kidding.

April 2006 - Holmes on Homes is like no other home improvement show on television today. Tune in as host, Mike Holmes, walks viewers through the repairs made necessary by the "unacceptable" disasters left behind by by sub-par contractors. With the intent to help the lucky few home owners who are in these desperate situations, it's no wonder the Holmes on Homes show is sweeping the nation. Any of us could find ourselves in the very same situations. With the realization that Mike is only able to help 13 or 14 home owners in any given season of Holmes on Homes, he has started the Holmes Foundation to help even more people across the country. Find out more about this incredible cause at Holmes on Homes

Chris was fortunate enough to be invited along with Wade Belak of the Toronto Maple Leafs to take part in 'Lien on Me', the project that launched the Holmes Foundation. See the video at the Holmes Foundation. The entire project will be taped for a 2 hour 'Lien on Me' special.

March 12th, 2006 - Chris Hockley has begun work with television show Full Contact Fishing. "What an opportunity... to be able to work in television doing what I love to do - FISH!" Chris' official title is Advertising and Promotions Director. Some hockey homework will definitely be in order!

February 10th. 2006 - Chris speaks to hundreds of children in three instructional kids seminars at this years Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Get Outdoors youth area. The seminars were a raging success with lots of fun and excitement had by all. In addition to Chris' own sponsors a very special thanks goes to Chip Jaggard of Normark Canada who has supplied an over abundance of products and samples to hand out to the kids during the seminars. Another special thanks to personal friend and co-presenter Jay Cooper for all of his drawings, added content and leg work.

Fish like the pros: Dynamic angling seminar with Chris Hockley and James Cooper Saturday 11:30 am and Sunday 11:30 am & 3:00 pm

August 12th, 2005 - Chris Hockley has begun work with Canada's #1 Hunting Show. "I'm extremely excited to be working with Thomas Pigeon and all of his extraordinary staff. I will finally have the opportunity to put all of my business and outdoor experience into one super focused show." Canada in the Rough, Canada’s first ever coast-to-coast Canadian Hunting Adventure Show, premiered July 2 on Global TV. Finally, Canadian hunters have a show of their own.

“Hunting, as I do it, and as the show captures it, is an extreme activity,” says Thomas Pigeon, host and executive producer of Canada In The Rough. These are wild hunts in Canada’s wilderness. There are no luxury hotels. There are no guarantees.

Canada is the last hunting frontier with three and a half million square miles of unspoiled wilderness, and some of the best hunting on the planet. Canada In The Rough takes viewers all over Canada – from pronghorn in the rugged badlands of Alberta to walrus on the ice flows of Nunavut to black bear in the forests of New Brunswick. Canada In The Rough is all-Canadian.

Each episode is packed not only with exciting adventure, but also with informative tips about wildlife, geography, hunting and survival techniques, regulations, conservation practices and wild game cookery with professional chef, Michael Olson.

Uxbridge Huck Finn Day

April 30th, 2005 - 2000 people and 700 stocked trout met on Saturday for a fishing festival that is second to only one in Ontario. A great time was had by all. There were prizes for all of the kids and a Coleman canoe compliments of Pat Higgins - event coordinator and owner of Canadian Tire in Uxbridge - went to the child who caught the largest tagged Brook Trout. I was at the event to lend a helping hand and to take some pictures during the day for my writing endeavours. To view these pictures click here

Chris Hockley and Jay Cooper of "Last Cull" Fame hosted a number of kids fishing seminars at the 2005 Spring Fishing Show. Hundreds of kids were introduced to Jay's book "What Are You Going to Fish For" and received tonnes of free stuff from our sponsors and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. A very special thank you goes to Peter Savoia for his generous donations of 100% graphite Airrus Rods to give to the kids. Peter is the owner of Set the Hook Co.

Its a brand new book out for kids!!! Author/Artist Jay Cooper pictured in the photo section of this website has created the perfect outdoor story for anytime!!