OFAH FILE: 842
February 13, 2014
For Immediate Release
Icy temperatures set the stage for fishing this weekend
Fish licence-free this Family Day Weekend
With a long cold winter in our midst, the Ontario Family Fishing Events (OFFE) is sure to warm people’s spirits and encourage them to get outdoors and go ice fishing. OFFE provides an opportunity for Canadian residents to fish Ontario waters licence-free February 15 to 17 (12:01 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Monday), and encourages new and young anglers to drop a line and start jigging.
With a 50 percent increase in community events across the province, organizers are eager to share their fishing passion with those who are anxious to get started. Whether anglers join an event in their community or go out on their own, the licence-free fishing days are a great way to spend the Family Day weekend.
“There is no better time to try ice fishing than during the licence-free days,” says Angelo Lombardo, executive director of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH). “This is also a great opportunity for experienced anglers to fire up the auger and take a friend out to experience this great tradition.”
Celebrating five years of panfishing in the Kawarthas, the OFAH will be hosting their own OFAH Family Ice Fishing Day on February 15 from 10am to 2pm on Chemong Lake, Ennismore. Holes will be pre-drilled and all equipment and bait is provided at no cost. Regardless of their catch, each youth participant will walk away with a goody bag, prize item and smile on their face.
Fast Facts:
- The Ontario Family Fishing Events initiative is an OFAH and Ministry of Natural Resources partnership, supported by the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association, Lucky Strike Bait Works, Shimano and Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
- For more details and a complete list of all events, visit www.ontariofamilyfishing.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@onfamfish).
- Open to all Canadian residents – participants must follow conservation licence limits as set out in the 2014 Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, found online at www.ontario.ca/fishing.
- Safety first. Never travel on ice unless you know it’s safe.
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is Ontario’s largest, non-profit, fish and wildlife conservation-based organization, representing 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 710 member clubs. To learn more, visit www.ofah.org.
-30-
Media Contact
Rachel Pearson
Conservation Outreach Programs Coordinator
705-748-6324 ext. 254 (office)
705-930-1805 (cell)
rachel@hfhc.ca