FREE FISHING WEEKEND GEORGIAN BAY

No License Required During 14th Annual Ontario Family Fishing Weekend

Ontario’s annual Family Fishing Weekend aims to introduce a new generation of anglers to the joys of fishing and the importance of a clean, healthy natural environment, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay said today. “Fishing is a wonderful way for family and friends to enjoy the outdoors together and gain a greater appreciation for Ontario’s natural environment,” said Ramsay. Six events are taking place in the towns, villages and Provincial Parks in the Georgian Bay Area. Visitors looking for Georgian Bay area accommodation

Georgian Bay Weekend Events

Awenda Provincial Park-Penetanguishene Georgian Bay

Event: OFFW Activities Date: July 7-8, 2007 (Various times) Location(s): Awenda Provincial Park Host(s): Ontario Parks

Details: Activities include a presentation on fish at Awenda Provincial Park. For more information please contact Awenda Provincial Park at 705-549-2231 Georgian Bay area accommodation

Georgian Bay Bass masters-Penetang Harbour-Georgian Bay

Event: Georgian Bay Bass masters Tournament Date: July 8, 2007 (7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) Location(s): Penetanguishene Harbour, Georgian Bay Host(s): Georgian Bay Bass masters

Details: For more information on the Georgian Bay Bassmasters. For more information please contact Laurie Charlebois at 705-527-7351 Georgian Bay area accommodation

Owen Sound-Georgian Bay

Event: Family Fishing Fun Day Date: July 7, 2007 ( 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. ) Location(s): Queen's Park Bandshell Host(s): Knights of Columbus 2092

Details: Come join us for a fun day of fishing. $3.00 entry covers lunch (hot dog and soft drink or water). Some equipment is available on a first come first served basis. Prizes awarded for fish caught and released. For more information please contact Kevin Quinn at 519-376-3193

Georgian Bay area accommodation

Parry Sound-Oastler Provincial Park

Event: OFFW Kid's Fishing Derby Date: July 8, 2007 (Noon - 3:30 p.m.) Location(s): Oastler Provincial Park Host(s): Ontario Parks

Details: Oastler Lake Provincial Park will be holding a children's fishing derby for kids 12 and under. The derby will include all species of fish. The derby will be located at the boat launch. Weigh your fish in by 3:30 p.m. to be eligible for a prize. Please make sure that your fish is weighed as soon as it is caught so that it may be safely released back into the lake. Standard Day Use Fees will apply to any vehicles entering the park for this event. Registered campers are exempt from this fee. For more information please contact Darren at 705-378-2401 Georgian Bay area accommodation

Port Severn-Georgian Bay

Event: Hidden Glen Family Fishing Derby Date: July 7, 2007 (6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.) Location(s): Hidden Glen Marina and Trailer Park Host(s): Hidden Glen Marina and Trailer Park

Details: Family fishing derby and fish fry (6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.). Registration is $10 per adult, children are free. Registration must be completed by July 2, 2007, by e-mail or by contacting Katie. Limited camping sites, boat ramp and docks available on first come basis. Registration fees go to prizes for larger fish in all categories. Come and join the fun on beautiful Georgian Bay

Wasaga Beach Georgian Bay

Event: Kids Fish-n-Fun Day Date: July 8, 2007 (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.) Location(s): Nancy Island Host(s): Wasaga Beach Fish & Game Club, Ontario Parks, O.F.A.H. Details: Fishing for kids. Bring your own tackle and gear (limited supply available to borrow). There will be demonstrations, food and drink, prizes and participation packages. For more information please contact Lanny Begin at 705-429-6897 Georgian Bay area accommodation

Conservation During Family Fishing Week

“Fishing is good family fun that instills a deeply- rooted awareness and respect for nature and conservation," said Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Executive Director, Mike Reader.

During family fishing weekend, anglers fishing without a free must follow the conservation free limits set out in the current Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary. Information on these limits will be available at each participating site.

“I would like to thank our partners for supporting the family fishing weekend and helping us increase awareness of the direct connection between good fishing and good conservation practices,” said Ramsay. “T he Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the Canadian Sport fishing Industry Association, the Canadian National Sport fishing Foundation, the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada have all contributed and their continued involvement is appreciated.”

More information about the Ontario Family Fishing Weekend and related events across the province is available at www.familyfishingweekend.com or by telephoning the Natural Resources Information Centre at 1-800-667-1940.

Ontario Family Fishing Weekend takes place during National Fishing Week, http://www.catchfishing.com which runs from July 1 to 8 July.