Make Plans To Hit The Ice On Family Day Weekend
It’s almost that time again, time for free fishing! Over the Family Day weekend in Ontario, February 15-17, 2014, Canadian residents can fish license-free. For anglers, this is a great opportunity to introduce friends and family to the sport we love. Not only can they hit the ice for free, but there are several events being held to celebrate fishing that weekend, which is a great way to get people out and ensure that they have fun. Instead of focusing solely on fishing, people can fish, take a break, hang out with others, and have a fantastic day. It’s a wonderful way to get people interested in ice fishing.
So what are you waiting for? Start talking to friends and family, make some plans, pick a lake to head to, and have some fun. Here are a few of the events beings held that weekend:
- The 8th Annual Winter Ice Fishing Derby at Valens Lake Conservation Area, Cambridge, February 15, 2014. Valens is great place for people who feel overwhelmed by large lakes. It’s a smaller body of water run by great staff, and there are plenty of fish (pike, perch, crappie, bluegill).
- OFAH Family Ice Fishing Day at BEL Rotary Park in Ennismore, February 15, 2014. Every year this event proves to be a great party. The holes are pre-drilled and bait and equipment is provided – this is ideal for people wanting to try ice fishing without committing to any expenses. Afterwards you can visit the OFAH Mario Cortellucci Hunting & Fishing Heritage Centre to warm up and maybe have some fun in the archery range.
- If you’re in the Sudbury area, check out the Friends and Family Ice Fishing Day at Lake Laurentian Conservation Area on February 16, 2014. There will be demonstrations of proper catch-and-release techniques, and the equipment is provided. There’s also snowshoeing and complimentary hot beverages.
A few tips that will ensure everyone has a wonderful ice fishing experience:
- Dress warm and in layers. Being on the ice is a little colder than going for a hike in the winter, so dress warmer than you think you need to, and dress in layers so you take some off if you get warm.
- It’s all about the feet. Wear warm boots and, if necessary, more than one pair of socks. I like to wear a thin pair of socks, covered by a thick, warm pair.
- Move around. If you’re catching fish and happy to stay in one spot, that’s great. But if the fishing is slow or you’re starting to feel chilly, get up and walk around. Go visit other anglers, head in for a warm beverage, or take advantage of other activities. If I was forced to stay in one spot all day, I never would have gotten into ice fishing – moving around is a good thing!
- Know when to call it a day. This is directed more towards experienced anglers who are taking other people out. Just because you want to keep fishing, doesn’t mean everyone else wants to. Make sure your friends and family are having fun and staying warm. You want them to enjoy the experience. End things on a happy note.
- Have fun! This is the single most important thing to remember. Ice fishing is a lot of fun. When you pull a fish through the hole, it is always an adrenaline rush. Some days, the fish don’t want to bite, it happens to everyone. Don’t get discouraged. Remember that you learned something, get outside, and had some fun. Make a day of it and enjoy yourself.
If you are new to the sport of ice fishing and want to give it a try, these Family Fishing Events are the way to do it. Get out on the ice and talk to anglers, we want everyone to enjoy this as much as we do, and most anglers are happy to give you a few helpful tips and start you on the right track.
For more information, check out Ontario Family Fishing Events.
argosgirl
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