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Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Hamilton Area Fly Fishers & Tyers meeting. Unfortunately I got caught in traffic on my way there so arrived a bit late and only caught the end of the first presentation of the evening but then sat through three other brief presentations by members who related their recent trips fishing for Atlantic Salmon in New Brunswick and Newfoundland. The presentation on the Restigouche Salmon Club was particularly well done and the questions and comments from the attendees was an obvious reflection of the interest level in the room. As I sat watching and listening the thought that came to mind was, “I know of at least 8 people who would appreciate hearing this – it’s too bad they aren’t here…”

There are a large number of fly fishings clubs in Canada and I trust they are similar to the Hamilton Area Fly Fishers & Tyers in that they have friendly members both young and old who are passionate about our sport. If you have never thought about attending a local club meeting we encourage readers of this blog to look into it because doing so will likely open up a new way to enjoy fly fishing and make new friends.

Join your friends and neighbours in High Park this Saturday July 9 from 10am until 2pm for Family Fishing Day! Sponsored by the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, Kids & Cops, Future Watch, Crime Stoppers, the Toronto Region Conservation Authority, Toronto Parks and the Ontario Government, Family Fishing Day provides an opportunity for the public to fish for free on that day to celebrate our fishing heritage and help promote our angling resources. In addition to contests, prizes and demonstrations a free fishing rod will be given to the first 10 kids (ages 18 and under) who arrive by bike.

The TRCA electrofishing boat will be on Grenadier Pond and a bike repair clinic will be provided by the Bike Commons. Note that anglers 18-64 must have a valid fishing license to fish in Ontario at any time other than this day.

July 9 2011 family fishing day

Today I am driving forty-five minutes north of Toronto to visit the members-only club Franklin Club near Uxbridge as a guest of one of the members. This is one of the premier fly fishing clubs in Ontario and it is situated on a 200 acre property with 2 lakes brimming with rainbow trout that are raised in the Club’s own hatchery. There is a newly-renovated clubhouse with rooms for overnight accommodation as well as a beautiful lounge area and a 45 seat dining room with an excellent kitchen. The Franklin Club is open 365 days a year and it should be on any angler’s list for a place to escape with family and friends.

For more information on the club please go to www.thefranklinclub.ca

While walking the banks of Whiteman’s Creek last weekend I met an angler who was as disappointed as I was to see a pile of garbage at one of the access points leading to the river. This man was going on about how irresponsible some people are but when I asked him to help pick it up he quickly dismissed the idea, suggesting that by the time he got down the bank I would have already picked everything up… The thought that went through my mind was, “Don’t complain if you’re not willing to do something about it.”

On a similar note, Canada is having an(other) election on Monday May 2 and although many of us think this is a waste of time and money, it is important that we all take the time to vote. Unfortunately, many of us are like that well-intentioned but lazy angler: we don’t bother to vote but complain about what is wrong with Ottawa. That’s not how it works. If we want Canada to continue to be the best country in the world we have to take care of it. Wishing things should get better doesn’t make them better – it takes effort. We are blessed to be citizens of Canada and we should all take the time to vote on Monday because, if nothing else, it is the right thing to do.

If you need further urging, watch Rick Mercer’s rant…