FREEE FISHING WEEK LICENCE TO ENJOY LIFE’S SIMPLE PLEASURE

ONTARIO — The simple pleasure of fishing is child’s play.

Casting a line in the water with a plastic rod is a joy best begun as a tadpole.

Grown-ups like to lay back and troll in aluminum boats, or sit in bow riders chasing bass.

But the sheer joy of pulling up your first sun fish on a dock or shoreline is the stuff Mark Twain writes about in Huck Finn.

A moment of nature unsurpassed.

As such, the Ontario government invites families to participate this week in the province’s annual week-long free fishing event.

Until this Sunday, (July 7)  Ontarians of all ages can enjoy fishing without requiring a licence.

“Our government is making it easier for families to spend quality time together by making fishing more accessible and affordable in Ontario,” said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry in a release Monday.

For families, fishing enthusiasts and those new to the sport.

The free fishing week is a welcomed tradition and is the fourth licence-free fishing opportunity this year.

In 2019, the government doubled the number of free fishing events by introducing licence-free fishing on the Father’s Day and Mother’s Day weekends.

“We want to encourage families to get outdoors by providing a fun and affordable way to connect with nature and family,” said Norman Miller, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “Licence-free fishing events are a great way to get kids hooked on fishing.”

In Parry Sound-Muskoka, this week includes the 3rd Annual Ril Lake Youth Rock Bass Derby in Ril Lake on July 6.

“Fishing is not only a good family activity, it is a good business as well. Recreational fishing contributes $2.2 billion to Ontario’s economy annually and brings tourists to Parry Sound-Muskoka,” said Miller

Families are encouraged to plan their fishing trip or find a local event by visiting:http://www.ontariofamilyfishing.com/.