The annual Shimano Take a Kid Fishing Day will be held here on May 5.
The event offers youngsters a chance to learn about fishing and nature through a series of stations, including how to identify fish, rig lures and tie knots, fish for rainbow trout in a large pond, archery introduction, tying their own fly, and a bait and lure workshop.
The popular program has been running for many years now at the Hampton Barn section of Lake Belwood Conservation Area. Professional anglers and experts will also answer fish questions.
The event is sponsored by Shimano, with support from Lions International, Friends of the Grand River, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Tackle Share program, the Canadian Bass Anglers Association, Rapala, Bass Pro Shops, the Wellington County Stewardship Council, Mitten Vinyl Inc., Gay Lea and Storm.
The day includes:
– free tackle package for each participant;
– free barbecue lunch;
– free fishing seminars;
– free fishing skills lessons;
– the OFAH Tackle Share program;
– fly tying station;
– archery lessons; and
– trout fishing.
There are two sessions: morning and afternoon. The morning registration check is 8:30 to 9am, with the session 9am to noon; the barbecue lunch, afternoon registration 12:30 to 1pm, and the session runs from 1 to 4pm.
Space is limited to 120 children per session and they must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian.
Advance registration is mandatory. To register email Derek Strub at dstrub@grandriver.ca. Strub requests that everyone provide all the information in the first email. The required information includes: name of participant, age, morning or afternoon session.
All the children will participate in all sessions.
Entry into Shimano Take a Kid Fishing Day is free, but park admission of $2.75 for children and $5.50 for adults is mandatory at the gate.
Lake Belwood Park is located on County Road 18, west of Fergus.
