Hundreds got hooked on ice fishing Saturday at Chemong Lake as part of the Free Family Ice Fishing Day hosted by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH).

Close to 1,000 people turned out for the one-day ice fishing event that was geared to families. Organizers gave everyone all the equipment they needed to sink a line through a hole in the ice.

“We’re hosting this event to get families and friends outside, to experience something new that they might not get to do normally,” said Taylor Stark the fishing programs outreach co-ordinator with the OFAH.

“All bait and equipment are provided by our tackle share program,” said Stark. “We have rods, we have the bait, worms, and minnows and we have hot chocolate and prizes for the kids.”

All across Ontario, residents can enjoy license-free fishing as part of the Family Day weekend celebration. The OFAH has been putting on the event for 10 years now and it continues to grow in popularity on Chemong Lake.

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith along with MPP and Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry John Yakabuski took in the event.

“It’s not just about fishing. This is one of those opportunities where families have the chance to build memories,” said Smith. “There are children here that have never had the chance to any ice fishing and they will go back home and be talking about this experience for days.”

The event wrapped up Saturday, at 2 p.m., but the Free Family Ice Fishing weekend continues until Monday, meaning all Canadian citizens can fish for free without a license until Monday, Feb. 18.

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