Let’s Go Fishing! Experience Fishing in Ontario

By Cody McGhee
Marketing Coordinator – Marine & Special Markets
Yamaha Motor Canada

At any point of the year in Canada, you are sure to find someone, somewhere fishing. From those who brave the winter windchill for perch to those who take on the scorching summer sun for trophy walleye, anglers are everywhere. And every single one of these anglers had the same start: a rod, a reel, a lure or hook, and the desire to get after “the big one.”

If you’re looking to get into fishing, there are programs offered across the country that can help point you in the right direction. In Ontario, Experience Fishing helps new and aspiring anglers discover fishing. I sat down with Laurie Marcil, Executive Director of Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO), and asked her about Experience Fishing and why so many people are getting hook’d.

Q. What is Experience Fishing?

Laurie: Experience Fishing is an opportunity for anyone who would like to try fishing for the first time to get one-on-one guidance from experienced anglers and do it as part of a vacation at an authentic lodge or camp setting in Northern Ontario.

Q. Can anyone take part in Experience Fishing?

Laurie: Absolutely! With this program we are reaching out to millennials, youth, new Canadians, women and anyone else that wants to learn to fish. All new anglers are welcome. Our guides and hosts of the North have lots of tips and tricks for everyone. The goal here is to help people experience fishing and give them the support to make it happen.

Q. Where is Experience Fishing offered?

Laurie: There are over 40 lodges, resorts and camps that are currently offering Experience Fishing vacations across Northern Ontario. They are in all three regions in the North: Northwestern Ontario, the Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma region and Northeastern Ontario.

A full map and list of lodges offering the Experience Fishing program can be found on the NOTO website.

Q. Do I need to bring anything?

Laurie: Once you have chosen your Experience Fishing lodge or camp, you will find the owners will be very helpful with providing packing checklists and what you may need to bring.

They will also share with you some of the video tutorials about purchasing fishing gear, changing lures, tying knots, packing tips and more.

Each of our Experience Fishing lodges has a fishing kit that includes a couple of fishing rods and a tackle box, but you may want to try your hand at purchasing your own fishing gear. Lodge owners will be able to tell you what works best on their lakes and for what fish species.

Q. Do I need a fishing licence?

Laurie: Yes, you’ need a fishing licence unless you are under 18 or over 65. In those cases, you will need to have some form of Government ID to verify your age if you are asked by a conservation officer. You can purchase an Ontario fishing licence by visiting the Hunt and Fish Ontario website.

Q. What is done with the fish once it’s caught?

Laurie: Depending on the size and catch limits, you’ll be able to either keep the fish you catch or release it. The choice to keep a legal fish is yours to make. Your guide will also be able to teach you how to clean and prep a fish once back at shore that can be saved for a delicious dinner!

When keeping a fish here are some things to remember:

• Fish will be “keepers” depending on fish size and quantity limits for their species guidelines and where you’re fishing.
• Keeper fish can be put on a stringer hung outside the boat or in a damp burlap bag inside the boat to keep them fresh.
• Fish can be placed in a freezer bag for you to take home, so a cooler is always a good idea! (Note: a section of the fish skin from the tail down the side must be kept on the filet in the event a conservation

If you’ve ever wanted to get out there and go fishing, now is the time!