(Avid ice-fisherman Grant Bailey with a nice winter walleye)
Ice-fishing enthusiasts are busy gathering their tip-ups and ice-augers for perhaps the most exciting weekend of the season.
This weekend, Feb. 17-19, residents of Ontario will be out (on the ice) in full force, enjoying the merits of Family Fishing Weekend – a province-wide initiative celebrating the sport of winter angling, and without the otherwise mandatory fishing license. The province decided about a decade ago that a festive winter fishing weekend would be adopted to mirror National Fishing Week events during the summer.
Let’s take a glimpse at a few of the winter fishing events in our region this weekend. For more info on Family Fishing Weekend; http://www.ontariofamilyfishing.com/
Arnprior Kids Derby
The Arnprior Fish and Game Club is pleased to present its 4th Annual Free Kids Fishing Derby, this weekend at McLean Park. The club supplies all equipment and bait and even takes care of the holes! To top it off, a free pizza and hotdog lunch is provided to all participants. For more information contact: [email protected] or check-out Arnprior Fish and Game Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arnpriorkidsfishingderby/
WCFGC event in Constance Bay
As part of Family Fishing Weekend festivities, the West Carleton Fish and Game Club’s (WCFGC) fishing derby is set for this Saturday at Constance Bay. Registration will take place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. with fishing starting at 10 a.m. and running until 2 p.m. Registration for adults is $5 and children, 13 and under, $2. Holes will be provided and a $20 entry gives participants a chance at winning a gas ice-auger. Bring your own bait and rods. For more information Warren Backler via email: [email protected] or by phone: 613-859-9217
Check out their website: http://www.wcfgc.com/
Harbour Harvest Tournament
Harbour Harvest is a family-friendly ice-fishing event this weekend at the Nepean Sailing Club. Check-in gets under way at 7:30 a.m. at the main entrance of the Nepean Sailing Club. Ice-fishing bait and tackle is provided or feel free to bring your own. There is a $300 cash prize and trophy for 1st place (longest live fish), and $200 for the angler with most species caught (if a tie, the club will use total length of fish – must be alive and only one of each species). Qualifying species include northern pike, walleye, perch, catfish, crappie and sunfish. Every registered participant also receives a door prize ticket. Organizers have adopted a new system of “reserving your spot” this year, with fishing holes spread throughout the harbour. If you require gear, you can add a fully rigged up “Harbour Harvest kit*” for $20, and if you return the kit at the end of the event, the club offers a $10 gift card for Bridgehead, Canadian Tire or Cabela’s. For more info contact: Dan Dubeau: 613-355-0735 or via email: [email protected]. Check-out: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/harbour-harvest-2018-tickets-41510942346
QC Outfitters Association
Anyone not ice-fishing this weekend and looking to plan a hunting or fishing trip in Quebec this year, should check-out the Quebec Outfitters Federation website. With a full array of camps, cabins and lodges throughout the province, the Quebec Outfitter’s site makes short work of researching suitable vacation destinations for whatever outdoor pursuit you’re into. Just across the river, in the Outaouais region-alone, are 36 hunting and fishing outfitters catering to your hunting and fishing needs. I have visited a few over the years and they’re awesome: https://www.pourvoiries.com/en/
Bounder magazine – spring issue
With spring just around the corner, keep an eye out for the spring issue of Bounder Magazine. The popular men’s magazine is available at Stinson’s in Pembroke and many other locations around the valley. My spring outdoors column will include highlights on my upcoming trout adventure, as well as other hot hunting and fishing news! For more information on Bounder magazine: http://bounder.ca/