A conversation with angling meteorologist Chris Murphy

OOD: When and how did you get into fishing?
CM: I was three when I went fishing for the first time, and six on my second trip. My dad and grandpa were the two great fishing influences of my life. Thank you, Joe Murphy and Armand Carrey.

OOD: Where did you start fishing and what did you catch?
CM: Kashwakamak Lake in Frontenac County in eastern Ontario. I was six and I caught a perch.
I would revisit that lake numerous times and have caught several beauty walleye and bass. It’s a gorgeous lake.

OOD: Favourite fish? Least favourite?
CM: Walleye (although it will always be pickerel to me). I love everything about these beautiful creatures…especially how they taste! Although releasing a good-sized one brings me enormous joy. I do not have a least favourite, they all serve a purpose.

OOD: What is your bucket list fishing trip?
CM: Ooh, I’ve got a few, but if I had to narrow it down to one lake in Ontario it would have to be Lac Seul. I’ve been reading about this legendary lake for decades and it will be a life unlived if I don’t get there one day. Should Gord Ellis and Ben Beattie just by chance happen to be hanging around nearby, well I suppose I wouldn’t mind having them on that boat with me either.

The weatherman can

OOD: Why are weather and angling so entwined?
CM: Going fishing is like many other outdoor activities — it is most enjoyable when the weather cooperates. Unlike other outdoor activities, sometimes you want so-called “bad weather.” You’ve surely experienced first-hand some of the best fishing while it rains, or when the wind is blowing a near gale. Every spring, summer, and to a lesser degree in the fall, I get plenty of requests from people wanting to know what the long-range forecast will be and for a good percentage of them, it’s because they have a fishing trip lined up.

OOD: What drew you to be a meteorologist?
CM: I graduated from Seneca College in the Radio and Television Broadcasting Program and after some radio stints for a few years, began working at The Weather Network in August 1999. Here I was able to combine two great passions — the weather and this great land of Canada. I have been to all 10 provinces. In 2014 I was accepted into and began the three-year full-time online Meteorology Program from Mississippi State University.

I did this while simultaneously working the morning shift full-time at The Weather Network where the alarm clock goes off at 3 a.m. I graduated in August of 2017, having earned 91% on the final exam which consisted of 100 questions from material encompassing nine semesters and 17 subjects over the three years. If not for the encouragement, patience, and love of my beautiful wife Michelle, I never would have been able to complete this. This accomplishment is a source of pride for me.

Weather phenomena

OOD: Do moon phases affect fishing?
CM: Tricky question. No doubt the moon phases affect the tides as the full moon and the new moon have a greater gravitational pull than say a quarter moon. This, in turn will influence fish behaviour. But this is true more so for huge bodies of water like oceans as opposed to smaller inland lakes where the tide changes are usually negligible. A full moon provides more visibility, thus encouraging more anglers to perhaps brave some time on the water after dark. Personally, I do check the solunar tables for upcoming trips, but I don’t plan my trips around them. I will console myself with the knowledge that if I don’t get a full moon, then the stargazing around the firepit will be that much better.

OOD: How about those solar flares?
CM: The three greatest words in the English language: coronal mass ejection. A solar flare is an explosive storm on the sun which emits a massive amount of magnetic energy in the form of super intense bursts of radiation. Traveling at the speed of light — towards earth, no less — we have little to fear from any real damage thanks to the earth’s magnetic field. Common issues will be disruptions to online services and electrical grids if the solar storm is especially strong. On the plus side though, a spectacular showing of the northern lights! Wow your friends the next time there’s an aurora borealis by saying nonchalantly: “That’s some coronal mass ejection there…ah yes, the ol’ CME.

Conditions & techniques

OOD: What are your favourite and least favourite weather conditions?
CM: Favourite: A mostly cloudy sky with occasional peaks of sunshine. Bit of drizzle or light rain is OK too. Temperature around 20-25°C. Least favourite: It’s a tie between a sudden hailstorm and a sudden snowsquall. I’ve been caught out in both in the past and they’re partially why I got into meteorology. Didn’t want either to happen to me again. Ever…and they haven’t…yet.

OOD: If you were stranded in the woods, what are three things you’d want to have with you? You cannot pick your phone.
CM: My fishing rod, my fillet knife, and a box of matches.

OOD: What is your favourite fishing technique?
CM: Trolling by far. But if casting or drifting is the way to go on that particular day then the hell with trolling lol.

OOD: If you could experience one natural phenomenon, weatherwise or otherwise, what would it be?
CM: I won’t lie, I really want to see a tornado with my own eyes. Having said that, if I do see one, it means someone, and possibly me, is about to have perhaps the worst day of their life. So, careful what you wish for, as they say.

OOD: Do you hold any angling superstitions?
CM: I dip the net in the water on my first outing of each trip immediately after my first cast.

OOD: Have you ever met or been confused with Chris Murphy of the Canadian rock band Sloan?
CM: Ha! In the early days of my career, I heard that a lot. I think he’s done pretty well for himself and Sloan is an amazing band. A Canadian gem. I’ve been called worse. A lot worse!

OOD: Alfred Hitchcock once said: “Puns are the highest form of literature.” Do you agree?
CM: Yes. My puns are always intended.

11 Rapidfire Questions

Q: What is your CFL team?
A: Arrrrrrrrgggggooo-ooooosssssssss!

Q: What is your NHL team?
A: Toronto Maple Leafs

Q: Favourite hockey player (past or present)?
A: Tie between Wayne Gretzky and Wendel Clark

Q: Favourite food/meal?
A: Chicken wings and BBQ steak. Don’t make me choose just one!

Q: What do you put on your French fries?
A: Gravy, salt, and pepper.

Q: What’s your favourite song about fishing?
A: I especially enjoy listening to the Tragically Hip while fishing and/or chillin’ by the campfire. Does that count?

Q: Spinning or baitcasting?
A: Spinning all the way.

Q: Favourite fishing method?
A: Trolling but will fish any method that produces.

Q: Disco or death metal?
A: Lmao! Death metal. I highly recommend blasting “Orgasmatron” by Sepultura. It’s a cover version originally done by Motorhead. Google the lyrics ahead of time, as they are amazing but largely indecipherable. The beat is punishing. Watch out for speed traps if listening while driving.