National Fishing Week hits close to home: London |
By A.J. SOMERSETSun Media
Conservation authorities and service clubs have organized several events in the London area for National Fishing Week. All the events in the area coincide with the Ontario Family Fishing Weekend, when no Ontario fishing licence is required. At most events, tackle is even available for would-be anglers who lack rods and reels, thanks to the Tackle Share program of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
In London, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is organizing a Family Fishing Day on July 10 at the Fanshawe Conservation Area off Clark Side Road north of Oxford. Rather than an organized fishing derby with prizes, the Family Fishing Day will be an informal, all-day event with an emphasis on getting kids fishing and having fun. No pre-registration is required and there is no registration fee, but the normal day-use fees for Fanshawe Conservation Area will apply: $4.50 per adult and $2.50 per child, or $9.00 per vehicle. A limited number of rods and reels is available for anglers without tackle. Contact the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority at 519-451-2800.
The Upper Thames Conservation Authority, in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, will hold a Family Fishing Derby on July 10 at Wildwood Conservation Area, off Hwy. 7 near St. Mary's. The derby will run from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. No pre-registration is required, and there is no registration fee. Access to the park requires payment of day-use fees: $4.50 per adult and $2.50 per child, or $9.00 per vehicle. Prizes will be awarded, and volunteers will be on hand to help. A limited number of rods and reels will be available for loan. Contact the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority at 519-451-2800.
In Norwich, the Optimist Clubs of Burgessville, Norwich and Otterville will hold their annual Optimist Fishing Derby on July 10. The derby will be held at the Norwich Dam, off Northcourt Street. The event will run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with registration starting at 7 a.m. Contact Larry Martin at 519-424-2188.
In Delaware, the Lower Thames River Conservation Authority, in partnership with the Friends of Sharon Creek and the Thames River Anglers' Association, will put on its sixth annual Family Fishing Day on July 11 at Sharon Creek Conservation Area. There is no fee or registration -- simply meet at the beach parking lot just south of the main gate at 7:30 a.m. Volunteers will be on hand to help kids bait hooks and land fish, and a limited number of rods and reels are available for loan. Kids can win prizes for the longest fish, shortest fish, the fish closest to a secret length, and in age categories. The derby runs from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., rain or shine. Contact the Lower Thames River Conservation Authority at 519-264-2420.
