After chasing the elusive 60" fish for nearly 35 years, our fellow Guide has passed away. Jim Arvanitas fished the Georgian Bay, did fly-in trips, and  has spent numerous days and years in the Kawarthas and the Niagara.  35 years of Musky fishing let Jim had his best at 57".  I was there to see it.  He never reached the 60" fish he wanted in his boat.  He was quiet and you would never know who he really was.  His client's did. His records show 1,856 documented fish.  Photographs prove it. Jim was USCG Licensed long before many others even knew what it was about.  He used to laugh at the Saturday morning fishing shows!!!  You know who they are.  "Baloney" as he put it. "Lure selling". Unless your are in the "club", you are "out". "There are thousands of good fisherman there that you never hear about."  Better than the "pro's".   Jim's notes and manuscripts detail the extent of  supposed  "muskie research".  We will continue to publish the book. 

His smile will always be with us. TV or no TV, he was surely the best that I have known in the 40 years he has been my best friend . He was a founder of a  Muskie Inc Club. His films will be shared with friends. His photos are in our archives and in  the hands of Jim's family. 

He refused to promote himself as an individual,  make "movies", or take full credit for his expertise. He was a sportsman, a true friend.  He expected his clients to learn and have fun.   He made one final and great film of a Kawartha Muskie in 2009 that inched in at 53'".  From Canada to Florida to the Virgin Islands,  his excellence in teaching was outstanding. His smile was always there. He was the best, bar none.  He rejected "money contests" as we  do.   He was one who said  "fishing is supposed to be fun."

It is, and he had fun..

Cpt Bill