If one activity could sum up summer in Canada it would have to be fishing, and for three wonderful days this weekend Ontarians can enjoy this outdoor activity licence free!
Family Fishing Weekend starts today and and runs through Sunday. The free fishing weekend celebrates OntarioÂ?s outdoor heritage with a host of events slated in communities across the province. The annual event has steadily grown in popularity since its inception in 1994.
Summing up the reasons many families participate in Ontario Family Fishing weekend, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources, Jerry Ouellette said, "For my wife Dianne and I, sons Josh and Garrett, fishing is a way for us to enjoy OntarioÂ?s great outdoors. IÂ?m not sure if the boys like fishing or frogging better, but I am sure we all love the opportunity to wet a line at any time."
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Bigger and better than ever, Ontario Family Fishing Weekend (OFFW) has for the second year joined forces with National Fishing Week, July 6-14, 2002, as part of an exciting, week-long celebration of angling as a great national pastime and a way to bring families and friend together.
Over 50 events are scheduled across Ontario to celebrate. Clinics, seminars, fishing derbies, interactive studies, draws, contests, prizes and so much more are offered during the event.
Events will be held at provincial parks, marinas, conservation authorities, bait and tackle retailers and at many fish and game clubs.
In addition, new anglers can call 1-800-667-1940 or visit the website at www.familyfishingweekend.com to get the Introduction to Fishing Package.
"Ontario Family Fishing Weekend and National Fishing Weekend generate awareness of opportunities that provide healthy, family-oriented outdoor activities. We know that when people get involved in the outdoors they are more aware of their natural surroundings and are more likely to take an active role in protecting and enhancing our natural resources," said OFFW Chair, Mark Holmes.
Two years ago the Canadian National sportfishing Foundation created the first NFW event funded largely by the fishing industry with Ontario Ministry of Natural ResourcesÂ? support. Across the nation, National Fishing Week quickly drew the interest of the fisheries agencies in provinces and territories that are now on board as active sponsors.
National Fishing Week Project Coordinator, Rick Amsbury of the CNSF explains that, like Family Fishing Weekend, the National event helps demonstrate to Canadians that responsible fishing is good for the resource and a terrific way for families to spend quality time together. ItÂ?s a know fact that Canada has more quality fishing opportunities than anywhere else n the world, adds Amsbury.
Additional information on OntarioÂ?s Family Fishing Weekend can be found at www.familyfishingweekend.com, or log on to the new NFW web site at www.nationalfishingweek.com for up-to-date events and activities.
