Ontario is enhancing its free Learn to Fish program by expanding to new municipalities, allowing nearly 3,000 more individuals to embark on this sport.
This summer, the program will introduce three new training locations: Lakefront Promenade and Lake Aquitaine in Mississauga, as well as Sibbald Point Provincial Park in Georgina, approximately 70 kilometers north of Toronto.
Moreover, the Learn to Fish mobile unit will visit 11 different locations throughout the summer. The province announced the addition of 2,700 new spots in the program, increasing the total number of participants to 12,000 across 20 locations in Ontario. This program is available for all ages, offering one hour of instruction and one hour of supervised fishing.
The expansion of the program was welcomed by the Minister of Natural Resources, Graydon Smith.
“Fishing is a beloved activity and a longstanding tradition in Ontario. I am pleased to see the Learn to Fish program grow, providing more opportunities—especially in urban areas—for people to partake in this experience,” stated Mr. Smith in a news release on June 13.
“The expansion of this program creates additional chances for individuals to explore Ontario’s lakes and rivers, and perhaps discover a new hobby.”
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Participants will receive instruction on rigging, baiting, and casting a fishing rod, identifying and catching local fish species, understanding fishing regulations, obtaining a fishing license, as well as learning about fish safety and sustainability during the sessions.
The program provides all necessary equipment for new anglers to begin, including a rod, reel, bait, lifejacket, sunglasses, and a fishing license.
Digital Sessions
Ontario also offers Learn to Fish sessions online, where participants have access to instructional videos on fishing basics, the Learn to Fish guide, and quizzes to test their knowledge.
The online Learn to Fish program is available for all age groups.
The videos cover the same content as in-person Learn to Fish sessions, including various bait and lures, knot tying, casting techniques, and fish species identification.
