National Fishing Week Casts Off This Saturday

Canadians are invited to head outdoors as National Fishing Week launches Saturday, June 27 and runs through July 5, kicking off the long weekend with one of the country's most accessible outdoor traditions.

Organized by the Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation (CNSF), National Fishing
Week invites Canadians to discover – or rediscover – the many benefits of recreational
fishing. And during tight economic times, it’s one of the most affordable ways of
experiencing the country.

"Approximately 60 percent of the world's lakes are in Canada, making recreational fishing
an incredibly accessible pastime,” says Mike Melnik, Managing Director of the CNSF. “Over
the past few years many of us have developed a greater appreciation for the value of our
natural resources, and fishing is an affordable gateway to helping preserve, protect and
enjoy them.”

Whether it's a quiet solo morning at the dock or a community fishing derby, getting started
doesn't take much: a rod, a line, and a few minutes by the water. It's also one of the rare
outdoor activities that genuinely works for every age group, from toddlers casting their first
line to seniors who've been at it for decades.

National Fishing Week is supported by Keep Canada Fishing, a national program dedicated
to encouraging Canadians to get outdoors and enjoy our angling heritage throughout the
year. The initiative is backed by federal, provincial, and territorial governments, along with
hundreds of organizations and businesses working to protect fish populations and keep
sustainable fishing opportunities available for generations to come.

To learn more about National Fishing Week, visit www.keepcanadafishing.com.
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with a fishing expert, please contact
Jessica at jessmelnik@gmail.com (705-931-5375) or the CNSF managing director at
info@catchfishing.com (705-931-3282).
Fishing in Canada
• Protecting our natural resources matters more than ever, and fishing helps build the
next generation of conservationists. It gives people a reason to care about the
resources their activities depend on, because great fishing depends on healthy
waterways.
• Fishing helps us connect with nature and develop an appreciation for Canada's vast
natural environment.
• Recreational fishing contributes over $8 billion to the Canadian economy.
• Canada is home to more than 2 million lakes, rivers, and streams, supporting over
1,300 species of fish.
• Nearly 9% of Canada's total area is covered by freshwater, alongside 2.76 million
square kilometers of coastline.
Fishing and Mental Health
• Fishing demands focus and awareness of your surroundings, which leaves less
room for rumination on internal conflicts or the 24-hour news cycle. Surrounded by
nature, it's easy to slip into a meditative, mindful state.
• It's a screen-free way to spend real time with family and friends.
• For kids, fishing is a low-cost entry point into the outdoors that builds resilience,
patience, and teamwork. Studies have shown that outdoor activities like fishing can
reduce symptoms related to ADHD. Some researchers even theorize our minds are
simply calmer and more creative near water.
• A 2008 study on the "relaxation response,” a practice that counters our anxiety-
driven stress response, found participants experienced a significant drop in blood
pressure. One of the activities the study's lead doctor recommended? Fishing.
• As a low-impact physical activity, fishing offers an accessible, affordable way to
support mental health simply by getting outside and moving.

To find out more about Catch Fishing and National Fishing Week, visit
www.keepcanadafishing.com.

Find Catch Fishing on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CatchFishing), YouTube
(CATCHFISHINGCANADA), and Instagram (@keepcanadafishing).

Fishing in Canada

• Protecting our natural resources matters more than ever, and fishing helps build the next generation of conservationists. It gives people a reason to care about the resources their activities depend on, because great fishing depends on healthy waterways.
• Fishing helps us connect with nature and develop an appreciation for Canada's vast natural environment.
• Recreational fishing contributes over $8 billion to the Canadian economy.
• Canada is home to more than 2 million lakes, rivers, and streams, supporting over 1,300 species of fish.
• Nearly 9% of Canada's total area is covered by freshwater, alongside 2.76 million square kilometers of coastline.

Fishing and Mental Health

• Fishing demands focus and awareness of your surroundings, which leaves less room for rumination on internal conflicts or the 24-hour news cycle. Surrounded by nature, it's easy to slip into a meditative, mindful state.
• It's a screen-free way to spend real time with family and friends.
• For kids, fishing is a low-cost entry point into the outdoors that builds resilience, patience, and teamwork. Studies have shown that outdoor activities like fishing can reduce symptoms related to ADHD. Some researchers even theorize our minds are simply calmer and more creative near water.
• A 2008 study on the "relaxation response,” a practice that counters our anxiety-driven stress response, found participants experienced a significant drop in blood pressure. One of the activities the study's lead doctor recommended? Fishing.
• As a low-impact physical activity, fishing offers an accessible, affordable way to support mental health simply by getting outside and moving.

To find out more about Catch Fishing and National Fishing Week, visit www.keepcanadafishing.com.

Find Catch Fishing on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CatchFishing), YouTube
(CATCHFISHINGCANADA), and Instagram (@keepcanadafishing).