In this country, there are far more fishing enthusiasts than there are hockey and golf players combined.
Most people have heard the optimistic quote from Lao Tzu: “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him to fish and he will eat forever.”
This morning, I present to you my own version, which I believe describes the activity well: Give a man a fish and he will be able to feast on it. Show him how to fish and he will be able to brighten up his entire table with the flesh of his catches as well as with his stories. Then, beyond these satisfactions, he will be able to recharge his batteries, have fun, take his mind off things, take on challenges, leave the daily grind behind and reconnect with nature to rediscover the joys that this beautiful activity brings with his family, friends, colleagues or even alone. Go and fish in harmony with nature. Little fisherman will become big.
A beautiful event
National Fishing Week begins today and runs until July 7. This major pan-Canadian celebration aims to encourage all of society, regardless of the participants’ age, gender, ethnic origin, or physical or mental limitations, to discover or rediscover the joys that this ancestral and heritage activity can bring. It is also a great opportunity to introduce future enthusiasts of all ages to the sport. Endless happy memories will certainly result.
Fashionable
The Canadian Recreational Fishing Industry Association estimates that nearly 9 million Canadian anglers, or nearly 25% of the population, generate an annual economy of $9 billion. Along with hunting, fishing supports more than 100,000 jobs from coast to coast.
In Quebec, during the pandemic, there has been a meteoric rise in the sale of fishing licenses, going from 702,013 in 2019 to more than 770,220 in 2022, and back to nearly 700,000 this year. It should be remembered that these numbers become much more impressive when you consider that mom, dad and kids can fish under the same license.
Surprisingly, the 65+ age segment has continued to grow since 2020, going from 104,038 to 118,753 in 2021, to 119,488 in 2022, and to 122,046 in 2023.
Benefits
“Studies have shown that fishing has a positive impact on participants’ mental health and well-being,” said Mike Melnik, CPCA’s Executive Director. “Here in Canada, we are incredibly fortunate to have so many places to experience nature and cast a line, whether it’s a stream, river, lake or even the ocean. And with fishing being relatively affordable in this time of high inflation, it means everyone can participate.”
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