Fishers and non-fishers in London will have the opportunity to partake in the sport for free.
Family Fishing Day, hosted by local conservation areas, is part of an initiative to get more people out enjoying the sport, while also lining up with "Ontario Family Fishing Week."
The goal of the event on Saturday is to get Londoners fishing, with wholesome family fun, according to Steve Sauder, the marketing specialist for Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.
“The province has the free family fishing week, and we like to help celebrate that and to get people out to do some ‘catch and release’ fishing,” Sauder says.
It also gives Londoners the chance to get out of the house and experience local conservation areas.
“It’s a great Ontario sport, and it’s a nice way to get people out and enjoy and see the resource,” says Sauder.
But the rules still apply. Although a licence isn’t needed, the conservation authority doesn’t want people taking home their catches.
“We’re not suggesting keeping the fish, but take a look at them and get them back in the water,” says Sauder.
The event is tailored to suit veterans and first-timers alike.
“There’s also people there, if you haven’t done fishing, to help teach you about fishing,” says Sauder. “We also have a ‘tackle-share’ program, so you don’t have to bring your own equipment if you don’t have it. They will supply equipment so you can try it out.”
Local conservations are filled with numerous types of fish to try to catch, but Sauder points out a few big names to keep an eye out for.
“Bass, pickerel, and pike would be the number one game fish that people are going after,” Sauder says.
No matter the age, Sauder believes that all who come out can partake in the relaxation of fishing.
“It’s just a really fun family kind of day, you know, people can come out as individuals, young and old, everyone can have a good time,” says Sauder.
As well with fishing, attendees have the chance to win prizes in numerous fish-related categories.
The event will be held at the following conservation areas on Saturday:
Fanshawe Conservation Area at the Boat Launch – 8am to 1pm Wildwood Conservation Area at the Marina – 7am to 11am Pittock Conservation Area at the Pavilion in Section 2 – 8:30am – 12pm
A $13 per car fee will be applied to visitors for parking. The LTC Fanshawe Getaway bus route offers summer service to Fanshawe Conservation Area on weekends
**This story was written by Samuel Gallant. Samuel is a student in the Fanshawe College broadcast journalism program. He is performing a summer internship with Blackburn News.**
