It’s National Fishing Week

Starting Saturday, July 7, Canadians across the country can enjoy two weekends of licence-free angling to celebrate 2012′s National Fishing Week.

Running until July 15, National Fishing Week is a coast-to-coast-to-coast awareness program encouraging more Canadians to experience the excitement and the many benefits of recreational fishing. Across the country, over 100 community events will introduce novices—especially kids and families—to the fun of fishing and the outdoors and, at the same time, encourage experts to share their knowledge and love of angling.

“Ontario has beautiful lakes, streams and rivers,” said Michael Gravelle, Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources. “Whether you’ve never fished before or have been doing it for years, fishing is a wonderful way to spend some time together as a family, enjoying this province’s great outdoors.”

With over a million lakes, rivers and streams, plus three oceans, Canada can lay claim to some of the greatest fishing adventures anywhere on the planet. These licence-free days serve as sort of a risk-free trial period providing youngsters, urban residents, tourists and anglers who once fished and would like to return to the sport, with a fun and affordable way to hook into some of those fish

During National Fishing Week numerous events will introduce youngsters and urbanites to angling.

National Fishing Week is also a crucial teaching tools to help all Canadians develop an appreciation for the outdoors, and highlight the importance of using our resources wisely and responsibly. It’s also a reminder that angling and related activities generate over $7 billion each year for the Canadian economy. And perhaps most importantly, fishing is an integral part of our culture, that helps define us as Canadians.

That’s why outdoor organizations, government resource agencies, tackle retailers and volunteers are preparing to host hundreds of events in almost every province and territory. These festivals, derbies and workshops provide both opportunities to fish, and also to learn about proper techniques, ethical angling and how to protect fish and their habitat. Additionally, during the licence-free periods, all other regulations apply and will be enforced, including size limits and sanctuaries. That means it’s still important to consult local regulations, which vary considerably across the country. For example, Ontario anglers without a licence must abide the reduced catch limits of a Conservation fishing license.

National Fishing Week is an initiative of the Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation and the National Recreational Fishing Task Group representing the collective provinces and territories. Fishing tackle retailers and outdoor organizations are also an integral part of this program.

Full information is available on the National Fishing Week website, including a listing of local events, and tips on safety, conservation, simple equipment and baits, and a free booklet for kids. If you live in Ontario, you can also check out the Ontario Family Fishing Events website for event listings.

And of course, explore OutdoorCanada.ca for the latest tips from fishing editor Gord Pyzer and other experts, plus top tackle, hot spots and more.