At the age
of five Michael Sklad began developing a passion for fishing and
the outdoors. He grew up in Mississauga, Ontario and would head
up north to his family’s cottage in Barry’s Bay where
he and his father Eddie would spend endless hours bonding over
fishing rods. Michael’s earliest memory of fishing is packing
up the canoe with his dad and brother and driving to a swampy
lake nearby to catch some aggressive bass. He would always sit
between them so that he could take in everything that his dad
had to teach. Each year his love for fishing has grown stronger
and now twenty years later, it is time to turn his passion into
his career.
Michael has
had the opportunity to participate in the filming of a deep sea
fishing documentary with the Outdoor Life Network. He has worked
with Leo Stakos and Ron James from Fish TV at The Celebrity Showdown
Fishing Tournament, The Toronto International Boat Show, and the
Toronto Sportsman Show. He has volunteered his time with many
other well respected groups and events such as; Bass Pro shop,
Bassmasters, The Great Canadian Outdoor Expo, Shimano Kids Day,
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and the Grand River
conservation Authority, where he has participated in teaching
kids proper fishing techniques and the catch and release of live
trout.
Through
his years of experience and a diploma in wildlife and Forestry
Conservation, Michael is ready to follow his dream of teaching
kids everything that he has had the privilege of learning.
Fishing Friendzy’s goal is to be a positive experience geared
toward reaching out to kids and exposing them to the nature around
them. Fun exhibits are mixed with educational displays to encourage
kids to learn the basics of fishing and also, how to conserve
the environment. Now is the time to teach the passion for the
outdoors so that children will pass it on to the next generation.
