Ontario residents will be able to cast a line without purchasing a fishing licence this Father’s Day weekend as the province offers another free fishing opportunity.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has announced that Canadian residents can fish for free across Ontario on Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st, allowing families and first-time anglers to enjoy the province’s lakes and rivers without needing an Outdoors Card or fishing licence.
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While licences are not required during the two-day event, anglers must still follow all existing fishing regulations, including conservation licence catch and size limits, fishing sanctuaries, and seasonal restrictions.
The province says the annual free fishing weekends are designed to encourage more people to experience recreational fishing and spend time outdoors with family and friends.
Father’s Day weekend marks the third of four free fishing periods being offered in Ontario this year. Another opportunity is scheduled during Family Fishing Week, which runs from Saturday, June 27th to Sunday, July 5th.
Residents taking part in the free fishing weekend are required to carry government-issued identification that includes their name and date of birth.
For those new to the sport, Ontario offers several resources, including the TackleShare program, which provides free rod and reel loans, as well as Learn to Fish programs and online instructional guides.
According to the province, recreational fishing attracts approximately 1.16 million anglers annually and contributes about $2.4 billion to Ontario’s economy through tourism, outdoor recreation, and related industries.
Outside of designated free fishing periods, most Ontario residents between the ages of 18 and 64 are required to have a valid Outdoors Card and fishing licence. Veterans and active members of the Canadian Armed Forces who reside in Ontario can fish for free year-round wherever fishing is permitted.
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