A new youth fishing league is hoping to get area kids hooked on angling.
Fishing Friendzy an organization focused on community and conservation, is launching kids programming across Southwestern Ontario this summer.
“The idea is to get our leagues into communities all over the place because really what we’re doing is not just teaching kids about fishing and ethical angling but we’re also just trying to get them connected with nature,” says Mike Sklad, founder of Fishing Friendzy. “Getting them out there, having that fun competitive league like ours really encourages them to become life-long conservationists.”
Sklad started the Fishing Friendzy Youth League in Orangeville, at the Island Lake Conservation Area. They had two seasons before COVID struck and they opted to halt their programming. Since then, Sklad has moved to Wingham, and his new town is one of five locations they’re looking to bring youth leagues to this year.
There’s already been interest and the limited spaces are filling up fast.
“We’re going to have two leagues, one in June at Lake Wawanosh and it’s already half-booked,” says Sklad. “We do a maximum of 12 participants per league so they get the proper education and dedication to them.”
The first league runs for four weeks Mondays from 5-7 p.m., starting June 5. Dates for July have yet to be set.
Fishing Friendzy is also setting a league up at Fanshawe Conservation in London that will run Sundays, starting July 2 from 1 -3 p.m.
All fishing takes place from the shoreline and participants receive a rod and reel, lures, tackle box, hooks, weights, a hat, jersey, sunglasses and more. Registration costs $250 plus tax.
There’s also opportunities for older youth to collect volunteer hours by mentoring younger anglers. Sklad says several kids that took part in the early Orangeville leagues are now back lending their expertise.
To learn more about Fishing Friendzy’s youth fishing leagues, visit their website.
