Fish license-free this family day long weekend

Posted Feb 16, 2012 By Emma Jackson

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EMC News - If you've ever dreamed of reeling in a record fish, this is your chance.

All Canadian residents are invited to grab a pole and start fishing during the annual license-free long weekend Feb. 18 to 20.

Throughout the province's Family Day weekend, Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources has waived the need for a fishing license to allow people to try fishing without having to drop a lot of cash on an Outdoors Card.

The freebie weekend applies only to Canadian residents, and anglers must stick to the conservation limits outlined for their area.

Alesha Caldwell with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters administers the program, which encourages communities to host events to take advantage of the license-free weekend and teach residents about the sport.

She said the weekend, along with a license-free week in July, is useful to get new anglers started.

"In general to be able to get involved in a sport you need a kick starter like getting a family member to take you out. So having license-free opportunities reduces that barrier to get you out," she said.

Especially in the winter, fishing is a very accessible sport to get into, Caldwell said.

"You're not casting, you're just fishing in a hole. So for ice fishing you just need a hook, rod and a line," she said, laughing that sometimes a stick with a string and pieces of hot dog can catch more than her fancy equipment.

Even a hut isn't necessary, she said.

"You don't need a hut. They are available, you can go to your local bait and tackle shop to see if they rent them. But all you need is a bucket to sit on," she said. Augers for drilling into the ice are also reasonably priced, she said, and are available for rent as well.

Caldwell said newcomers to the sport should consider taking a more experienced angler with them onto the ice, to offer tips and guidance.

However if someone wants to take advantage of the license-free weekend without a fisherman friend, Caldwell suggested talking to the locals to make sure the ice is safe and perhaps recruiting someone to help drill the hole.

"The ice should have four inches of good, clear ice" on top, she advised, noting that cloudy or white ice has air pockets and may be less stable.

Gearing up for the weekend, Caldwell has overseen the organization of countless fishing events across the province, including three in the Ottawa area.

On Saturday, Feb. 18 the Ottawa Region Walleye League will host its third annual Kids Ice Fishing Event on Constance Lake in Ottawa's west end. From 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. kids can try their hand at ice fishing alongside experienced anglers. League members will drill holes and provide fishing equipment and bait if needed and lunch is included.

In Renfrew, the Castleford 7th Annual Ice Fishing Derby will take place on the Ottawa River from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Feb. 18. The charity derby attracts hundreds of anglers young and old every year, and this year will raise money for Renfrew and Arnprior Community Living.

In Ottawa proper, the Catholic Centre for Immigrants will host an ice fishing fundraiser on Monday, Feb. 20 for their annual Community Cup soccer tournament. For $10, residents can enjoy a hot lunch, hot chocolate and access to bait and rods. The group will also drill the fishing holes and provide a warm shack for the anglers. The group will meet on the Ottawa River between Masson-Angers, Quebec and Cumberland, Ontario east of Ottawa.

Two buses will be available to take participants to the site, leaving from the centre's headquarters on Argyle as well as Catherine Street. The group is asking for a $5 donation to take the bus.

The ministry's fishing zone 15 includes Renfrew and Arnprior, and extends to Pembroke and Petawawa. Zone 18 covers all of Ottawa and North Grenville, extending east to Hawkesbury and west to Belleville.

Anglers must check the conservation limits and fishing rules for their zone in the ministry's recreational fishing regulations guide before heading out. The guide is available online.

For more information about the license-free weekend or events in the Ottawa area, visit www.familyfishingweekend.com.




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