National Fishing Week hits close to home: Toronto

WIL WEGMAN
Special To Sun Media

Canada needs more anglers! Throughout most of the country, participation levels, especially among young anglers, are dropping and that fact has not gone unnoticed here in Ontario. The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), along with other agencies, the tackle industry, tourism boards, resorts, tournament organizers, local municipalities and a host of other beneficiaries, have all expressed concern. Although the financial implications of having fewer anglers who spend huge dollars on their sport is obvious to those involved in this industry, the loss to Canada's fishery resource and the sociological fallout could be even greater. How can fewer anglers hurt the resource? Primarily it boils down to dollars and sense. (Total amount spent each year by Canadian anglers is $6.7 billion, according to recently released stats from the 2001 National Recreational Fishing Survey. That's more than we spend on beer!) With fewer fishing licence sales there is less money earmarked towards improving and protecting Ontario's fisheries. And, when fewer young people obtain that close connection to the resource through their love of fishing, that sense of responsibility to act as stewards for the resource is not as great. Without that next generation of anglers the future is awfully bleak. Bottom line? We need to get kids fishing - and how.

Ontario Family Fishing Weekend: July 9-11, 2004

In order to promote fishing to children and their families who might not otherwise try it, the MNR helps co-ordinate the annual Ontario Family Fishing Weekend (OFFW) when no fishing licences are required. (During the rest of the year Canadian residents who fish in Ontario do not require a fishing licence if they are 18 years old or under or over 65 years of age.) During this weekend, free public fishing events are hosted right across the province by the MNR, other agencies and hundreds of dedicated volunteers from fish and game clubs, service clubs and the like.

The OFFW was established in 1993 to promote the concept that if no licence was needed for Canadian residents that weekend, more people would try fishing. To sweeten the bait-bucket even more, at many events, the volunteer groups raise enough money throughout the year to buy enough worms, hotdogs, drinks and prizes for all to enjoy at no cost.

At the majority of events there are even rods and reels and basic tackle for folks to borrow if they don't have their own. Ever wonder what happens to all those rods and reels that MNR Conservation Officers confiscate when they catch poachers breaking the rules outlined in the fishing regulations? Many of them are used at family fishing events. And thanks to such groups as the Toronto Sportsmen's Show or through the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters' Rod-Loaner Program, who also supply tackle and equipment, there are normally enough rods and reels at these public fishing events for everyone.

Within the Greater Toronto Area, the OFFW events are often highlighted as Urban Fishing Festivals. In 2004, these festivals include Lake Aquitaine in Mississauga, Too Good Pond in Markham and Frenchman's Bay in Pickering, all on July 10. The next day the popular Fairy Lake Urban Fishing Festival takes place in Newmarket. There will also be other fishing events in the GTA right from the Toronto Islands in the south to Lake Simcoe's Sibbald Point Provincial Park in the north. Check out www.familyfishingweekend.com or www.nationalfishingweekcanada.net.