Rod Carberry was born in Newfoundland and grew up in Lynn Lake.
He's been fishing all his life; it's in his blood. For the Dauphinite, there is no feeling quite like being on the water with a rod in his hand, trying for that next big catch. For the past eight to 10 years, Carberry has taken his passion for the water to the next level. He's committed to the sport and is on the water honing his craft at every opportunity.
For him, Rod always looks forward to a trip to the water after finishing his day job.
"You know, you get out into a boat or for some people, it's the shore. It's an excellent place to go and reset. You can focus on the task at hand and not worry about many things going on in the background," said Carberry. "For me, there is a competitive factor. There's that factor to catch the next personal best fish. There's a bit of a drive, competitiveness, and peace."
Last week on Friday, Rod found himself on Clearwater Lake by The Pas. History was made. He started on the water at sunrise, and hours later, he was still on the water. Catching many fish along the way, Rod recorded a new personal best. A forty-two and a quarter inch Lake Trout. His biggest Lake Trout catch ever, surpassing his previous high of forty-one and a quarter inches.
"Yeah, it was amazing. I've spent so much time," Carberry. "I've told everyone in my angling circle that 42 inches has always been my goal. I held my previous forty-one and a quarter personal best for 15 years. This has been a lot of work and effort. It's an incredible feeling."
And to add a cherry on top of his new personal best Lake Trout catch, Rod made the big catch alongside his son, Troy. Rod has had Troy in the boat or ice shack since he was born. For years, they've shared many memories on the water, and this is another one.
For Rod, sharing the waters with his son is the ultimate experience.
"Oh, it's amazing. He's a pretty accomplished angler himself. He's a full-time guide at Elk Island Lodge on Gods Lake," offered Carberry. "I know that his competitiveness is to beat me. For me, it's not to let that happen. It's special that it's father/son time and you've got a person you respect so much."
When it comes to what is next for Rod, the chase for the next big catch will keep him determined and locked in.
"Yeah, I realize it's going to be a tough one to beat, but that won't stop me from trying," ended Carberry. "It's going to involve looking into different lakes and areas that would have a higher population of those bigger ones. We'll see, I won't stop trying."
A new personal best with his son by his side resulted in a dream trip up north for Rod Carberry.
