Record turnout for Aylmer Rod and Gun Club fishing workshop
Greg Newing
Around 80 children participated in an introductory fishing workshop organized by the Aylmer Rod and Gun Club (ARG) in Parc des Cèdres on Sunday, June 4. The annual event promotes safe and sustainable fishing practices, and is an opportunity for young people to learn the basics of fishing from experts. It is organized as part of “Fête de la pêche”, a province-wide initiative to encourage residents to learn about fishing.
Two fishing workshops were held in both French and English for children and youth ages 6 to 17. Participants learned about the different species of fish in the Ottawa River, how to tie knots and bait a rod, and the basics of catching fish. Conservation officers from the National Capital Commission (NCC) were also invited to present on provincial fishing regulations, sustainable fishing practices and marine safety. Workshop participants were given junior fishing licenses and fishing rods and had a chance to fish in the Ottawa River following the lesson.
“I wanted to join this workshop and learn to fish because I want to spend more time with my family outside,” said Noah, one of the workshop participants. Anik Bédard, a mother, brought her children to the workshop to keep fishing alive in her family. “We love hunting and fishing and we want to introduce it to the next generation. A workshop like this is really great for children; we can encourage them to fish but it’s more motivating to learn from others and it also shows them that it’s fun to be outside.”
While some families had prior fishing experience, for others it was their first time trying out the sport, “I’m very happy to be here today because I knew nothing about fishing before. It’s really not in our culture to fish, but having the chance to fish today gives us a great new activity. I hope my children like it and want to continue,” said Natalie Gueu, the mother of two participants in the workshop.
The fishing workshop in Parc des Cèdres is held annually, but was paused due to Covid. This is the first year the workshop was held following the pandemic and had the highest turnout to date, “Originally, we expected around 50 participants, but the number went up to 80 so we purchased extra rods to allow for more participation,” said Andrew Roach, Vice President of the ARG. Roach said that this event has always been popular and is a great way for families to learn about ARG’s activities, “If parents get involved and learn to hunt and fish, then they can teach their children. Fishing is a great return on your time, to enjoy yourself and to be outdoors. We really want to emphasize that fishing is something for everyone.”
The Aylmer Rod and Gun Club
The ARG has been part of the Aylmer community since 1959 and will be celebrating its 65th anniversary next year. In addition to the annual junior fishing workshop, the club organizes a firearms safety training course for ages 12 to 18 in the spring as well as other events such as dinners, hunting trips, and fishing competitions. The organization is volunteer-run, and is welcoming new members. To learn more about the club and to become a member, visit www.arg-cpa.org or go to the Aylmer Rod & Gun Club Facebook page.
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Photo caption:
Resident Nathan Gueu fishing for the first time at Parc des Cèdres during Aylmer Rod and Gun Club fishing workshop, June 4.
Photo credit: Greg Newing
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Photo caption:
Aylmer Rod and Gun Club President Martin Bourgie teaching workshop participants about the basics of fishing in Parc des Cèdres, June 4.
Photo credit: Greg Newing
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Aylmer Rod and Gun Club member Keith Clarke demonstrating how to use a fishing rod for workshop participants.
Photo credit: Greg Newing
