FISH
LICENCE-FREE ON FEBRUARY FAMILY FISHING WEEKEND
Local
Events Highlight Staying Safe On Ice And Good Conservation Practices
TORONTO
— Minister of Natural Resources Donna Cansfield is inviting Ontarians to
bundle up and take part in the second annual winter Family Fishing Weekend
on February 23 and 24.
“The
licence-free family fishing weekend is an opportunity for both novice and
experienced anglers to take part in local events where they can learn
about ice fishing, ice safety and the importance of conservation,” said
Cansfield. “I am pleased to join the Ontario Federation of Anglers and
Hunters and other partners in encouraging everyone to get outdoors and
enjoy this popular winter sport with family and friends where ice
conditions permit safe fishing.”
“Ice
fishing is a great way to get the kids outside and connected with
nature,” said Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters President Jack
Hedman. “With more OFAH clubs coming on board to host local fishing
events, we hope the winter family fishing weekend will grow to match the
hugely popular summer version of this family friendly event.” During the
Ontario Family Fishing Weekend, Canadian residents can fish licence-free
in any public waters across Ontario, except those with a closed season.
Anyone fishing licence-free must follow the conservation licence limits
set out in the 2008-2009 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary.
Information on these limits will be available at each participating site.
Anglers should also check the summary for regulations on season closures
and gear and bait restrictions, which must be observed.
“I
want to thank all of our partners for continuing to support family fishing
weekends,” said Cansfield. “The Canadian Sportfishing Industry
Association, the Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation, the Northern
Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada
have all contributed to the success of the weekends, and their continued
involvement is appreciated.”
More
information about the Ontario Family Fishing Weekend, including how an
organization can
host
an event, is available at www.familyfishingweekend.com.
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Contacts:
Media
Calls Only
David
Bauer
Minister’s
Office
416-314-2212
Jolanta
Kowalski
Communications
Services Branch
416-314-2106
Lezlie
Goodwin
Ontario
Federation of Anglers and
Hunters
705-748-6324,
Ext. 270
Disponible
en français
ontario.ca/mnr
