Big Jim McLaughlin Tribute

Paying Tribute to Jim McLaughlin

Fishing’s Pied Piper Falls Ill

Story by Scott MacGregor

On October 18, 2008 the Canadian fishing community will gather to pay tribute and help out their good friend and fishing icon, Big Jim McLaughlin.

Big Jim has been an active participant in the Canadian fishing scene for more than 30 years. You may recognize him from the Minto booth at the Sportsman Shows working the kids casting pond, perhaps he taught you to cast. “Jim donates 60-plus days every year to helping introduce kids to the sport of fishing,” says Jamie Pistilli, an Ottawa-based kayak fishing guide. “He’s done more for kids than anyone else involved in the sport.”

McLaughlin is a Shimano pro staffer as well as been pro staff for Normark and Vexilar. Big Jim is the publisher of Just Fishing, a fishing publication available in local tackle stores and at Canadian Tire stores. He’s won two of the Canadian Tire Classic Bass tournaments and has 28 other first place finishes to his credit. You may also recognize him as the host of the TV fishing show, The Ultimate Fishing Show.

Big Jim McLauglin has cancer. As a self-employed fishing industry lifer Big Jim invested more into the growth of the sport than he did in medical insurance. His friends, family and fishing celebrities will join together next week to pool some funds and help out an old friend, and do what Big Jim loves most—talk about fishing.

The evening will be emceed by the Fact of Fishing's Dave Mercer and take place at THE LONE STAR RANCH in NEPEAN. Tickets for the evening are $100 and are limited to 200 plates.

Local Ottawa area fishing retailers are selling what tickets are still available. Businesses and individuals wishing to donate to the silent auction or raffle are asked to contact Wally Robins via email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Paying Tribute to Jim McLaughlin

Fishing’s Pied Piper Falls Ill

Story by Scott MacGregor

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