Welcome to 2005! As many of you have already noticed, I have launched a brand new version of Fishing with Rod. The change was needed, to ensure we are offering the best to our readers, clients and sponsors. 2004 was an eventful year, and I expect 2005 to be even busier.

The major changes of the website are the layout and overall organization of information. After many requests, we decided it was best to give the website a more refreshing look. I have also reorganized all of the previous articles into a well-sorted archive. New to the forum this year are the BC Sportfishing Business Directory and FWR Shop. After expanding rapidly in the past 15 months, a great portion of the traffic comes from our friends in Australia, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Netherland, UK and US. We want to ensure that both local and overseas readers are fully served. The BC Sportfishing Business Directory will allow anglers around the world to find the perfect guide or lodge that they are looking for in the upcoming trip.

The other grand addition to FWR is our fly library. Although information available in this section is still very thin, I am hoping to devote a good portion of our effort on this unique yet fast growing discipline. After my brief experience in feather chucking, I can see why many find it so appealing.

2004 sure was exciting for me and FWR. A few close friends and I had the pleasure to promote the sport that we have enjoyed at many community events. These include the Great Salmon Send-off, Como Lake Festival, Fish for the Future, Rice Lake Derby and Vedder River Festival. Our thanks go to Fisheries and Oceans Canada for continuously providing educational material. We look forward to participate again in 2005.

What started as a small business idea, has turned into an large annual program! When I first started FWR Youth Fishing Camp, my goal was to develop a sustainable business that is still related to my field of study and beneficial to sportfishing. Our 2004 program was very popular, and kept us very occupied throughout July and August. Young participants who have never fished before, found it very challenging and fun. Many decided to join us again to improve their skills. I firmly believe by emphasizing proper fishing techniques and a good understanding of fish biology, we can develop a generation of anglers who will keep the resource sustainable. I am already planning out our 2005 program, which will take place between June and September.

2005 will also be a challenging phase. As a new member of the Sportfishing Advisory Board, I look forward to working with representatives of all sectors in sportfishing. This will also be advantageous as I will hopefully be more equipped with answers when readers have questions regarding our fisheries.

My many thanks to our sponsors and advertisers. Without your financial support, this website would not be operational due to the high cost of traffic and maintenance.

Finally, I would like to thank you for supporting this online publication. FWR can only stay alive by your demand. With your motivating and kind words in emails or personal conversations, I will continue to work hard to deliver. This journey started out as a personal hobby, and three years later FWR is attracting tens of thousands readers each month. I look forward to what excitement and challenges 2005 will bring us, and tight lines to all!

Rodney Hsu
Webmaster

If you have any comments regarding this editorial, or need further information on volunteering, please contact us.