The Ontario government is making it easier and more accessible for people to learn how to fish. This summer, the province is expanding its Learn to Fish program, increasing the number of locations and mobile sessions offered and providing 2,700 new spots.
“Fishing is a wonderful activity and long-standing tradition in Ontario and I’m glad to be offering more opportunities – many of them in urban areas – for people to be able to take part in the Learn to Fish program,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources. “Expansion of this program creates more opportunities for people to get out and explore Ontario’s many lakes and rivers and maybe even find a new hobby.”
Beginning this year, the Learn to Fish program is expanding to include Lakefront Promenade and Lake Aquitaine in Mississauga and Sibbald Point Provincial Park in Georgina.
Additionally, the Learn to Fish mobile unit will be travelling to 11 locations this year – including provincial parks, conservation areas and events. The Learn to Fish program is free and teaches new anglers of all ages how to fish in Ontario. The fun and engaging two–hour program combines a one-hour practical teaching session with one hour of supervised hands-on fishing.
Participants will learn how to:
- rig, bait and cast a fishing rod
- identify and catch local fish species
- get a fishing licence and follow fishing regulations
- discover more about fishing in Ontario
- fish safely and sustainably
Participants will be provided with everything they need for the session, including:
- experienced instructors focused on fish, fun and safety
- fishing rod, reel and bait
- a fishing licence to take part in the Learn to Fish program
- lifejacket and sunglasses
Learn to Fish sessions begin in June and are offered through to late August. Those who are interested can sign up online.
Quick Facts
- The Learn to Fish program will engage more than 12,000 new anglers at 20 locations across the province this summer.
- Over one million licensed anglers spend $1.75 billion per year on recreational fishing in Ontario.
- Ontario fishing licences can be purchased online at huntandfishontario.com. If buying online, always look for the Ontario logo. You can also purchase licences in person at participating ServiceOntario or licence issuer locations.
- Rapala, one of the largest fishing tackle manufacturers in the world, is sponsoring the Learn to Fish program. Rapala will provide the equipment, including rods, reels, and tackle, necessary to operate the program across all locations.