Who needs theme parks when there’s a chance to go fishing?

OFAH File: 842/OFFW
June 30, 2006

For Immediate Release

Who needs theme parks when there’s a chance to go fishing?
O.F.A.H. Tackle Share hooks into Ontario Family Fishing Weekend and National Fishing Week

School is out and families are looking for adventure. However, they don’t need all of those extravagant theme parks, thrill rides and tourist attractions to find it. There’s plenty more family adventure to be found in O.F.A.H. Tackle Share and during Ontario Family Fishing Weekend, running July 7 to 9, 2006.

“Ontario Family Fishing Weekend is a license-free opportunity that will see thousands of kids and parents lining docksides and shorelines, and heading out on the waters to take part in a true Canadian tradition. It’s a chance to try your hand at fishing before purchasing a fishing license, and an opportunity to share the experience with the whole family,” said Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters’ Executive Director, Mike Reader.

Presented by the Ministry of Natural Resources, and supported by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ontario Family Fishing Weekend helps expose new generations to fishing and conservation. In Ontario, this annual fishing event is celebrated in conjunction with National Fishing Week, a coast to coast, week-long fishing promotion running from July 1 to 9. Participants in Ontario Family Fishing Weekend must abide by the conservation regulations set out in the current Ontario Recreational Fishing Summary, which is available at Canadian Tire and other sporting goods stores.

Fishing is a healthy, outdoor tradition that helps support conservation, contributes to the economy and strengthens families. For kids, in particular, fishing is a confidence-building activity and a refreshing disconnection from computers and television.

Throughout the summer, including Ontario Family Fishing Weekend, aspiring anglers can catch free fishing lessons courtesy of the O.F.A.H. Travelling Tackle Share, an outreach program that is now touring Ontario Parks, public libraries and Big Brothers organizations across the province. O.F.A.H. Tackle Share has over 100 locations where kids and parents can borrow rods, reels and tackle the same way they would borrow library materials. For a complete O.F.A.H. Tackle Share tour schedule and a list of fishing equipment loaner sites, visit www.tackleshare.com.

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