CORNWALL, Ontario – Families casted out to Gray’s Creek between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the 17th annual Family Fishing Day on Friday, July 6.
“It’s license-free fishing week in Ontario,” said Brendan Jacobs, a Fish and Wildlife Biologist at the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA).
The Ontario government designates two times throughout the year for license-free fishing, and the summer dates this year span Jun. 30 to Jul. 8.
“As long as you follow the local zone fishing regulations, you’re good to go…it’s basically a way of introducing people who don’t normally fish, to fishing. So they don’t have to go out and buy a license to go fishing to see if they enjoy it or not,” said Jacobs.
Jacobs expected to see up to 150 participants at the event. Children had the opportunity to win a new fishing rod as two were up for grabs to the children who caught the longest fish. Tackle, rods and bait were provided, and fishers were treated to a complimentary barbeque lunch.
Starting this year, residents can borrow rods all summer through the TackleShare program initiated by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), sponsored by Ontario Power Generation (OPG). There will be 10 rods available at the Gray’s Creek Marina and 10 in Charlottenburg.
“A lot of people are inside and spend more time on their tablets and their phones than outside nowadays. So it’s a good way to get yourself outside, get your kids in touch with nature, get your kids involved in the natural world,” said Jacobs.
Jacobs thanked all of the event sponsors for making the family fun day possible, like the Cornwall Lunker Club, who was present to assist with fishing instructions and techniques.
