Fishing

Growing up in a house with an avid outdoors man as a father (my Dad is awesome!), my Mom (who is also awesome!) and my two sisters and I were often encouraged to go camping, hiking and fishing.  Now fishing can add up to be quite pricey if you don’t already have the tools, borrow from a relative or a friend!  You don’t need the best of the best in fishing poles; seriously, a fish doesn’t care what is holding the line.  My family is fortunate as my Dad has collected lots of fishing gear over the years, therefore we don’t need to spend money on equipment.  We always fish with live bait and harvest the worms from our own garden the evening before.  (Let the hose run for 20 minutes or so in one spot and leave the ground for about an hour, when you come back there are usually a lot of worms to choose.  Make sure to store in a cool area in a container with air holes and dirt.)

Every adult requires a fishing license, an Outdoors Card, to fish in Ontario.  (Take this very seriously as the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has the right to impound your car if you are in violation of your license, amongst other punishments!)  All visitors to Ontario require an Ontario fishing license to fish.  You can purchase yearly or temporary Outdoors Cards, through the internet or at your local Canadian Tire or Outdoors Store.  http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/LetsFish/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_165301.html  Children under 18 and adults over 65 do not require a fishing licence.   For 2012 a one year Conservation license for an Ontario resident is $15.90.  If you plan to go fishing multiple times throughout the year this is a good deal as it’s a one time charge for the year and it can potentially bring home your dinner!

There are many bodies of water in Ontario, with lots of opportunities to fish at no cost.  Check out your local body of water to see if fishing is allowed in that area.  Sometimes the Ministry of Natural Resources prohibits fishing in certain areas for safety or for ecological reasons.  Around the Niagara Region, we always do catch and release.  The fish in this area are not safe to eat in large quantities (again check with the area you are fishing in to see if they recommend eating the fish or not.) 

One might ask, why catch and release, it’s pointless, but ah, it’s the “Going Fishing” that is the fun part.  We would get up early (apparently fish like to eat earlier in the day) pack a picnic lunch and have a quick breakfast, load up the car and head to one of the local docks.  It can be incredibly relaxing and cathartic.  The sun on your face, a cool breeze rolling in off the lake, its nature at it’s best.  I think back to the days when we went fishing with my Dad, sometimes we would all laugh and joke around, sometimes he would tell us stories or sometimes we sat quietly and enjoyed each others company.  We learned a lot and got to see some interesting animals and creatures roaming around early in the morning. 

This is one of my goals this year (it was also last year but we didn’t get a chance to go) I want to get my license and go fishing with my Dad.  Now that he is retired, he has a lot more time on his hands to relax so I don’t feel bad about making him get up early on a Saturday morning to go fishing.

RULE:  If bringing small children or inexperienced swimmers, bring a life jacket!  In fact bring life jackets for everyone regardless if they are a good swimmer or not and wear them!  An accident can happen in the blink of an eye, use common sense near any body of water!

Wear sunscreen, the sun reflects off the water and comes at your skin with a force.

Bring your camera to document your catches!  In true fishing fashion, no one believes the fisher person unless there is evidence of the catch!