Family and youth fishing
What parents, children and new anglers need to know about learning how to fish in Ontario.
Why fish?
Fishing is an inexpensive, family-friendly pastime that is:
- easy to learn
- practised almost anywhere
- enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities
Fishing 101 handbook
Pick up the basics of fishing in the Learn to Fish Guide — How to Have Fun and Catch Something Too!, a free 40-page primer published by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. It was written for parents and guardians, but the advice is for anyone new to fishing. This comprehensive tutorial provides:
- clear explanations and simple step-by-step instructions
- a glossary of common fishing terms
- helpful pictures and diagrams
Gearing up
- choosing a rod and reel
- hooks and line
- lures and bait
Fishing how-tos
- find a good fishing spot
- bait a hook, cast a line and land a fish
- identify, clean and cook your catch
- ice fishing
Kid-friendly advice
- what to bring
- safety tips
Tips on fishing with kids
- Relax! Bring a smile and an open mind.
- Keep it simple. An inexpensive rod and reel, with live bait and a bobber, will get you off to a good start.
- Fish from shore. Kids sometimes need a chance to run around.
- Fish for little fish. Kids often care more about the number of fish they catch than the size. Sunfish and other pan-sized fish are plentiful and easy to hook.
- Make it fun. Encourage patience, cooperation, and trying something new.
- Teach skills. Kids learn by doing.
- Help children problem-solve. Lines get tangled. Hooks get snagged. Fish stop biting. Identifying a problem and finding its solution is a valuable skill.
- Be flexible. If your child is too excited to sit still with a bobber and live bait, change tactics or move to a different spot.
- Be a good eco-citizen. Don’t litter, follow the fishing regulations, and release any fish you don’t plan to eat.
- Don’t stay too long. End your trip on a high note.
Family fishing events
Looking for the perfect time to give fishing a try?
Licence-free fishing
Canadian residents can enjoy licence-free fishing across the province:
- Family Fishing Weekend in February (February 13-15, 2021)
- Mother’s Day Weekend in May (May 8-9, 2021)
- Father’s Day Weekend in June (June 19-20, 2021)
- Family Fishing Week in July (July 3-11, 2021)
National Fishing Week — Catch Fishing
When you need a fishing licence
Outside of the licence-free Family Fishing periods, most adults 18 years and older need to buy an Outdoors Card and fishing licence.
You don’t need to buy a licence for anyone 17 years and under. For kids, there is an optional young angler’s licence with the young angler’s pledge printed on the back. These free cards are available from early February every year (while supplies last) from:
- Toronto Sportsmen’s Show
- Learn to Fish sessions in selected provincial parks
Young angler’s licences are also available by request for personal use or youth fishing events.
Email: learntofish@ontario.ca
Find a ServiceOntario location
See the young angler’s licence
Learn to Fish program at Ontario Parks
Pick up the basics at Learn to Fish. This free 2-hour group fishing lesson comes with the Learn to Camp program at selected Ontario Parks. Learn to Fish includes:
- hands-on instruction
- free use of fishing equipment
- 1-day fishing licence
Learn to Fish is automatically included when you register for Learn to Camp at any of these locations:
- Earl Rowe Provincial Park
- Emily Provincial Park
- Sibbald Point Provincial Park
- Darlington Provincial Park
- Grundy Lake
- Six Mile Lake
TackleShare
No gear? No problem. The TackleShare program lends basic fishing gear to children or novice anglers who don’t have their own equipment. You can gear up at locations across the province, including many:
- Ontario provincial parks
- conservation authorities
- libraries
- Big Brothers and Sisters
TackleShare is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, supported by Ontario Power Generation.
Find a TackleShare location near you
Find an Ontario Parks TackleShare location
Safety first
Wearing a PFD (personal flotation device) keeps your child safe while fishing. You can borrow PFDs for free at many Ontario provincial parks.
Find Ontario Parks that loan PFDs
Learn about life jackets and PFDs
Ontario Children’s Outdoor Charter
Fishing is an activity every child should try at least once. It’s one of the iconic experiences of childhood. It’s also one of the 12 activities promoted by the new Ontario Children’s Outdoor Charter, created to get children outdoors and active.