It's a fin-tastic season for fishing with the Library of Things!
As the days get longer and the temperatures get warmer, you can finally scratch that itch to hang up the Gone Fishin’ sign and post up at your favourite local fishing spot. If you grew up fishing, you know about that serene experience of casting a line, sitting back, and listening to the sounds of nature while you wait for that telltale nibble. There’s no better season than now to share this special hobby with the young fisher in your life.
Beyond having a great time, there are tons of benefits for teaching kids to fish:
Environmental stewardship
Respecting nature is an important part of being a responsible fisherman. Protecting endangered species, catching and releasing out-of-season fish, and leaving our natural surroundings as we found them are all lessons that are easily incorporated into an afternoon of fishing. These teachings help us keep the ecosystem healthy so that we can continue to enjoy the sport of fishing for decades to come.
Patience and mindfulness
Some days the fish won’t stop biting; other days, all you’ve got is a good excuse to spend some time outside. We’ve got to admit, there’s a certain amount of just waiting around involved in fishing. But these moments serve as good opportunities to take in our surroundings, appreciate the beauty of our environment, and practice patience.
Enhancing motor and coordination skills
From tying knots, casting a line, and working the reel, fishing requires some finessing and fine motor skills. These skills begin to develop from the day is a baby is born and well through childhood and play an important role in daily tasks like dressing, writing, and using tools. Fishing can be a fun exercise that sets your child up for motor success in the future!
Bonding and companionship
In those quiet moments between nibbles, you have your child’s undivided attention. These rare opportunities away from screens and toys can be a chance to catch up and check in with your little one. A shared experience or activity helps create meaningful memories and cherished bonds between a parent and a child.
There’s so many benefits to teaching children to fish which is why we offer Youth Fishing Kits at the library. Youth Fishing Kits come with a rod, lures, bucket and net to set you up for a successful afternoon on the water.
Fish for Free
Get out on the water this month with Ontario’s Free Family Fishing days when no fishing licence is required:
- Father’s Day Weekend (June 20–21, 2026)
- Family Fishing Week (June 27–July 5, 2026)
Fishing another day? Make sure you grab a fishing licence – children 17 and under do not require a fishing licence.
Practice water safety
Any time you plan to be around a body of water, water safety is of the utmost importance. Accidents can happen quickly, which is why we want to keep all of our young fishers safe with Youth Life Vests available to be borrowed for free from the library. Optimize the effectiveness of your child’s life vest by selecting the right size based on the child’s weight:
- Infant vests - approximately 9kg-14kg or 20lbs-31lbs
- Child vests – approximately 14kg-27kg or 31lbs-60lbs.
- Youth vests – approximately 27kg-41kg or 60lbs-90lbs.
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