The fish have been spectacular, however so too have been the variety of anglers collaborating in Ontario Household Fishing Weekend, Ministry of Pure Assets Minister Graydon Smith mentioned whereas visiting a Lake Simcoe fishing derby.
“It’s so nice to see so many individuals out. (Household Fishing Weekend) has been taken nicely benefit of in 2023 and that’s unbelievable,” he mentioned on the Brechin and District Lions Membership’s third annual ice fishing derby close to Lagoon Metropolis on Saturday, Feb. 18.
Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka, helped weigh in some huge fish at Brechin Ice Hut Leases, together with a 14.1-pound lake trout and 14.9-pound walleye. The occasion had greater than 150 registrants, event organizer Derrick Patrick mentioned.
Training key
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Invading Species Consciousness Program (ISAP) employees have been available elevating consciousness of baitfish laws. That training is vital, Smith mentioned, praising the trouble.
“We need to be certain that we’re not introducing invasive species into environments the place they shouldn’t be and that we’re respecting the baitfish zones in Ontario,” he mentioned whereas holding a package deal ISAP employees have been handing out within the bait store.
“This can be a smart way for folks to A, get their first expertise fishing, and B, be certain that they’re being educated about the precise issues to do when they’re out on the ice or on the water,” Smith added. “Due to the OFAH for being such an ideal group in serving to get this phrase out.”
Bait have to be dumped at the very least 30 meters away from any waterbody, Aquatic Venture Specialist Rob McGowan reminded.
“We encourage anglers to take their bait dwelling with them and eliminate it by means of municipal waste,” he mentioned. “It’s unlawful to dump the contents of a bait bucket water, soil, or different materials or stay or useless bait into the water or inside 30 meters of it.”
Different licence-free occasions embrace Mom’s Day weekend (Could 13-14, 2023), Father’s Day weekend (June 17-28), in addition to Household Fishing Week, from July 1-9, 2023.
To be taught extra about Household Fishing weekend, click on right here
