Residents of Ontario who want to try fishing for the first time or rekindle the passion for something they used to do as a child have that chance free of charge from July 9-11, 2004 as part of the Ontario Family Fishing Weekend (O.F.F.W.), which runs in conjunction with National Fishing Week, (N.F.W.) July 3-11, 2004.
“Both the O.F.F.W. and N.F.W. were created to get more people involved in fishing. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.), the Canadian National Sportfishing Association (C.N.S.A.), and a number of other organizations in the outdoor community have worked hard to make people more aware of this great pastime and part of our cultural heritage,” said O.F.A.H. Executive Director Mike Reader.
According to the Survey of Recreational Fishing in Canada there are 3.6 million adult licenced anglers across the province which does not include children under 18 or adults over 65 who don’t require licences. Anglers spend a total of $4.6 billion each year on fishing, boating and camping equipment, along with special vehicles, land, buildings and other purchases.
As part of O.F.F.W. anglers can fish from Friday until Sunday without purchasing a fishing licence but they must remember to abide by the Conservation Licence limits set out in the current Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary which is available from tackle shops, Ministry of Natural Resources regional office or online at http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/pubs/pubmenu.html#fish. Anglers should also remember that you will need a licence to fish during N.F.W.
N.F.W. is a program of week-long activities to promote recreational fishing across Canada. The sport fishing industry has produced a special insert in national newspapers which includes regional information on where to go fishing, instructions on how to get started, and information on how to cook your catch.
“N.F.W. and the growth of recreational fishing in general was a vision of the late Rick Amsbury, former Executive Director of the C.N.S.A., and I think he would be very proud of how his idea has grown,” said Mr. Reader. “In Ontario alone more than two million anglers bring $1.7 billion into the economy each year. The O.F.F.W. and the N.F.W. offer urban anglers, who don’t always have the opportunity, a chance to spend time on the water with their families. Programs like O.F.A.H. Tackle Share, which lends out fishing tackle, offers these potential anglers an opportunity to experience the thrill of fishing, even if they don’t have the necessary equipment,” added Mr. Reader.
Besides the free fishing offered during O.F.F.W. there are over 80 specific events including numerous fishing derbies, fish facts family programs, and O.F.A.H. Travelling Tackle Share Programs. For a complete list of events and other information visit www.familyfishingweekend.com or www.nationalfishingweek.com