MPP Hooked On Pass Lake Fishing & Manitouwadge Residents enjoy Family Tournament

Written by Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources on 21 February 2012

(L-R) Evan Caland; Deb Rivard OFAH Zone Chair; Dennis Ukrainec, NOSA President; Paige Banton; Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle; MNR Conservation Officer Davis Viehbeck; William Banton; Glenn Rivard, OFAH First Vice President. Photo MNR

(L-R top) Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle and MNR Conservation Officer Davis Viehbeck with two young anglers, (L-R bottom) Evan Caland, 5, and William Banton, 6. Photo MNR(L-R top) Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle and MNR Conservation Officer Davis Viehbeck with two young anglers, (L-R bottom) Evan Caland, 5, and William Banton, 6.

Free Ice Fising Weekend Kicked Off by Gravelle

Many Northshore residents likely took advantage of free fishing this weekend, hitting the ice of area lakes with their families. For the Thunder Bay-Superior North riding, it all kicked off last Wednesday as MPP Michael Gravelle visited Pass Lake to spread the word and encourage families to enjoy the outdoors across Ontario.

Ontario residents were able to fish licence-free during the Family Fishing Weekend, which ran this past weekend, from February 18th to 20th. Among the events held across Northern Ontario was the 2nd Annual Manitouwadge Outdoors Enthusiasts Fishing Tournament at the Lion’s Beach in Manitouwadge.

The event was well attended and all children who participated received prizes ensuring a successful afternoon regardless of their fishing luck.

At the Pass Lake event where Minister Gravelle kicked off the weekend he reminded those in attendance that “Whether it’s your first time or you’re an old pro at ice fishing, the Family Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity to get outdoors with your family and enjoy some winter fun.”

Fishing in Ontario is not just about leisure however, approximately 1.3 million anglers fish in Ontario each year, spending an estimated $2.5 billion in the province annually.

The Ontario Family Day long weekend was the first of two opportunities for Canadian residents to fish without a licence in Ontario this year. Those interested in participating in a licence-free fishing weekend should mark their calendars for some warm weather angling as the opportunity returns July 7th to 15th. Please remember that even during licence-free fishing events, you need to follow the catch limits.