The 2009 OBFN Hank Gibson Qualifier will be held on Lake Muskoka in the Town of Gravenhurs on August 29.

The launch site will be the town wharf and weigh-in will be at the the town dock located beside Boston Pizza. For more details visit: http://www.ontariobass.com/OBF_Hank_Gibson_2009.html

The Bass Pro Shops Open Bass Fishing Tournament will be casting our way October 24, 2009 on Lake Simcoe.

For an application form visit the the tournament’s website at: www.simcoeopen.com

The Orillia Packet and Times quotes Patrick Walsh (Editor of Outdoor Canada Magazine) as saying:

“…the event will attract national media attention. This tournament has a high profile and it has drawn attention to Lake Simcoe as a world-class bass fishery. If people don’t know that Lake Simcoe is this amazing bass fishery, this will help them learn about it.” Entire Article Here

Bob Izumi, if you are entering, I could probably make myself available…

The dates for this unique fishing experience are coming quickly. The 2009 Ontario Kayak Fishing Classic will be held on July 11 and 12, 2009.

This year’s tournament is presented by Nomad Adventures and Kashaga Lodge. Anglers will be fishing Kashagawigamog Lake in Haliburton, Ontario for their shot at various fishing prizes including: kayaks, canoes and vacation packages.

Proceeds from the $75 dollar entry fees will be donated to the Haliburton Highlands Outdoor Association.

For more details about this unique and exciting event visit this website:

http://ontariokayakfishingclassic.info/index.html

Over 70 licence-free fishing events planned for July 10 through 12, 2009

2009 promises to be another record-breaking year for the popular family fishing initiative, Ontario Family Fishing Weekend (O.F.F.W.). Over 70 outdoor clubs, service organizations and provincial parks are planning to host events from Friday, July 10 through Sunday July12.

Now in its 16th year, the Ontario Family Fishing Weekend Committee, led by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.), will once again oversee a full weekend of free fishing at family-friendly events. There are two family fishing weekends held annually, one in July, which was started back in 1993, and one in February, which was introduced in 2007. The summer version of the province-wide weekend runs during National Fishing Week, July 4 through 12.

“Ontario Family Fishing Weekend helps introduce a new generation to nature and the pleasures of fishing,” said Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield. “Dozens of local events give novice anglers a taste of an activity they can enjoy for a lifetime.”

Canadian citizens do not require a licence to fish in Ontario waters during O.F.F.W. Conservation licence limits are in effect and all other fishing regulations apply. Free copies of Fishing Ontario 2008-2009 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary are available at all ServiceOntario centres, many outdoor outfitters and online at www.ontario.ca/fishing.

“Fishing provides families with the opportunity to reconnect in the outdoors, away from the many distractions of everyday life,” said O.F.A.H. Executive Director, Mike Reader. “With 70 organizations volunteering to host Ontario Family Fishing Weekend events across the province, thousands of people will experience fishing, perhaps for the first time.”

There is still time for organizations to get onboard and register to host an event. The O.F.A.H. offers start-up assistance to new groups, including a free Ontario Family Fishing Weekend information package that includes volunteer and participation certificates, flyers and posters, Take-A-Kid Fishing and Catch Fishing booklets, and tips for event planning. Clubs are invited to add an event to the growing list, and participants are encouraged to visit the website to find the location of the event nearest them. Visit www.familyfishingweekend.com or call Mark Cousins at 705-748-6324 ext. 233.

Ontario Family Fishing Weekend is delivered in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association, the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Foundation, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

*above media release used with permission*

Some events close to Huntsville are: (for more event listings click here)

Algonquin Park
Event:     Rock Bass Derby
Date:     July 11, 2009 ( 9am- 2pm )
Location(s):     Whitefish Lake
Host(s):     Algonquin Park

For more information please contact Kevin Hein at (613) 637-2780

Bracebridge
Event:     On Water Fishing Techniques
Date:     July 10, 2009
Location(s): Lake Muskoka, George Road Boat Launch
Host(s):     Bracebrdge Culture and Recreation, Muskoka Bass Masters
Details:

• 8 years old and over
• limited to 12 people

For more information please contact Diane Wyber at 705-645-3037

Haliburton
Event:     Ontario Kayak Fishing Classic
Date:     July 11-12
Location(s):     Kashaga Lodge
Host(s):
Details:

• Kayak, Bass Tournament
• Several Prizes to be won including 2 kayaks
• Starts on Saturday at 6am and ends at 4pm then starts again on Sunday at 6am and finishes at noon

For more information please contact Jeffrey Goudreau at 1888 MAD YAKR

Dorset
Event:     13th Annual Kids Fishing Derby
Date:     July 11, 2009
Location(s):     Dorset Public Docks, Lake of Bays
Host(s):     Dorset Community Center
Details:

• 9:00am – 9:30am registration
• 9:30am – 10:30am judging
• Prizes at 11am
• 3th Annual Kids Fish Derby for kids ages 12 and under accompanied by an adult.  We supply the bait, you bring the pole.  There is a prize for every participant with lots of kooky winning categories.  Hint: Funniest Fishing Hat.

Entry Fee if any:           $2 per child

Age group:                    12 and under

For more information please contact Melissa Alfano at (705) 766-9968

May 23, 2009
Annual Lake Muskoka Pike Tournament – $10,000 First Prize
Gravenhurst
For more information: www.muskokabassmasters.com

June 7, 2009
Annual Pike Challenge – Huntsville Town Docks
Free Kids Casting Competition 1pm – 3pm
For more information: Call 705-789-4123 or 705-789-1173

June 14, 2009
12th Annual Nosbonsing Anglers and Hunters Summer Pike Tournament
$20,000 in Cash Prizes
For more details: www.nosbonsing-anglers-and-hunters.com

July 11, 2009
Dorset Kids’ Fishing Derby
For more information call: 705-766-9968

The date of the 28th Annual Orillia Perch Festival is April 18 to May 9, 2009. To register and to learn more about this fantastic fishing event visit: www.orillia.com/perchfestival/

Opening Ceremonies
Friday April 17, 2009 – 7:00pm
ODAS Park, Fairgrounds Road

Special OPP Kids Day!
Saturday May 2, 2009
Tudhope Park

Closing Ceremonies
Saturday May 9, 2009 – 7:00pm
Best Western Mariposa Inn