Blue Fish News – July 5, 2020

It’s a short week and so is this week’s Blue Fish Canada News.

Stewardship Quiz – It’s a Wrap!

Blue Fish Canada wants to thank the near-400 readers who stepped up and tested their stewardship knowledge using the Blue Fish Stewardship Quiz. With eight prizes now valued at close to $1,000, the first eight randomly drawn names of those who took the Quiz have now been sent out emails inviting them to get back to us with their 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize choices. The prizes were provided by Ranger Boats, Orleans Boat World, Shimano, Catch Fishing, Musky Factory Baits, Eagle Claw, Salus Marine and Scotty fishing. Check your email and spam folder to find out if you were one of the lucky ones. We are giving the first eight 48 hours to get back to us with their choices before we move down the list.

For more details about the gifts or if you still want to try the Quiz just for fun, visit: Blue fish Steward 12-question Quiz

Blue Fish Radio Feature:

Professional angler David Chong spoke with editor Lawrence Gunther on Blue Fish Radio about the challenges of making a living as a professional angler in Canada during the pandemic. A competitor who fishes upwards of 50 tournaments a year, it hasn’t been easy for David to step back in the interest of keeping his family, friends, and himself safe. Learn about the many considerations, opportunities and challenges that go along with being a professional angler – it’s not all about fast boats, blue skies and big cheques –now even more challenging because of the pandemic. https://bluefishradio.com/covid-19-impacting-professional-angler-david-chong/

Girl Guides Go Fishing:

Every spring Blue Fish Canada volunteers take part in numerous youth and family fishing events. One of our favorites has been taking the Girl Guides of Ottawa fishing on the docks at Dow’s Lake in central Ottawa. Upwards of 75 young women ranging in age from 6 to 16 come out each year and practice catch-and-rlease fishing, and to learn about fish biology and behavior. The pandemic put a stop to such events since March 2020, but if you want a glimpse of the fun we have, check out the following 3-minute video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syyfYYplH4c

National Fishing Week – July 4-12 – and Now Up to July 19 in Ontario!

With National Fishing week now underway, a time when all Canadians can fish without a license in their home provinces, our friends at Catch Fishing and the Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation have some precautions they are advising families to take to stay safe. The guidelines serve as a good starting point when contemplating that next fishing trip.

Everyone’s situation is different, but if there was ever a good time to take a step back, simplify things, and enjoy family time on the water or shoreline, it is now. Take a bad situation and turn it into something positive, even if it’s just something simple like fishing with your kids.

“It’s been proven that fishing has a positive impact on mental wellness, which is something that’s crucial during the Covid-19 pandemic,” says Mike Melnik, Managing Director of the Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation. “It’s also an important local food source for countless Canadians. For these reasons, fishing is an essential pastime that deserves to be promoted, fostered, and celebrated.”

NATIONAL FISHING WEEK COVID-19 GUIDELINES:

• Adhere to all travel advisories and self isolation requirements. Conduct your fishing activities as close to your home residence as possible.
• If you must travel beyond your home community, totally provision your trip from your community of origin. Do not plan on buying food, drinks or even fuel after you begin your trip and until you return home.
• Ensure you have all the necessary supplies to keep you safe including life jackets and a first aid kit.
• Only fish with members of your household or by yourself. Please remember that there are restrictions on the number of people who can gather at one time.
• Adhere to all municipal, First Nation community, provincial and federal closures and restrictions.
• As recommended by Health Canada, practice physical social distancing by keeping a distance of at least 2 metres (6 feet) between you and others at all times.
• Consider wearing a non-medical mask or face covering when social distancing is not possible in public spaces.
• Practice proper hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus, especially around communal areas.
• Outdoor businesses are suffering. Consider ways to support your favorite outdoor retailer, tour company, or tackle shop, like buying a gift certificate or ordering online when possible.

Fishing:

• fosters a new generation of conservationists — it benefits the environment because it gives people a reason to care about the resources their activities depend on.
• is easy and affordable.
• is a great way to escape electronics and reconnect with family and friends.
• helps us connect with nature and develop an appreciation for Canada’s vast natural environment.
• provides mental and physical health benefits.
• generates over $8 billion to the Canadian economy.

About us:

You can read current and back issues of Blue Fish Canada’s Newsletters by visiting: www.BlueFishCanada.ca

For more about Lawrence Gunther, North America’s only blind professional angler, conservationist, writer, blogger, podcaster, film maker and TV personality, visit: www.LawrenceGunther.com

Gunther founded the charity Blue Fish Canada in 2012 and launched the podcast Blue Fish Radio in 2013.

Please rate The Blue Fish Radio Show on Apple Podcast so others will learn of this unique Canadian resource by visiting: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-blue-fish-radio-show/id1090189487?uo=4

Should you have a podcast suggestion or resource you would like to share, please send us a message to: Admin@BlueFishCanada.Ca

Blue Fish Canada is a federally incorporated registered Canadian charity. Please consider making a small monthly donation to off-set the costs of this Newsletter and our other Blue Fish Canada programs by visiting: https://bluefishcanada.ca/donations/