The fish had been spectacular, however so too had been the variety of anglers collaborating in Ontario Family Fishing Weekend, Ministry of Natural Resources Minister Graydon Smith mentioned whereas visiting a Lake Simcoe fishing derby.
“It’s so great to see so many people out. (Family Fishing Weekend) has been taken well advantage of in 2023 and that is fantastic,” he mentioned on the Brechin and District Lions Club’s third annual ice fishing derby close to Lagoon City on Saturday, Feb. 18.
Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka, helped weigh in some huge fish at Brechin Ice Hut Rentals, together with a 14.1-pound lake trout and 14.9-pound walleye. The occasion had greater than 150 registrants, match organizer Derrick Patrick mentioned.
Education key
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP) workers had been available elevating consciousness of baitfish laws. That training is vital, Smith mentioned, praising the hassle.
“We want to make sure we’re not introducing invasive species into environments where they shouldn’t be and that we’re respecting the baitfish zones in Ontario,” he mentioned whereas holding a package deal ISAP workers had been handing out within the bait store.
“This is a great way for people to A, get their first experience fishing, and B, make sure they are being educated about the right things to do when they are out on the ice or on the water,” Smith added. “Thanks to the OFAH for being such a great organization in helping get this word out.”
Bait should be dumped not less than 30 meters away from any waterbody, Aquatic Project Specialist Rob McGowan reminded.
“We encourage anglers to take their bait home with them and dispose of it through municipal waste,” he mentioned. “It is illegal to dump the contents of a bait bucket water, soil, or other material or live or dead bait into the water or within 30 meters of it.”
Other licence-free occasions embrace Mother’s Day weekend (May 13-14, 2023), Father’s Day weekend (June 17-28), in addition to Family Fishing Week, from July 1-9, 2023.
To be taught extra about Family Fishing weekend, click on right here