This Saturday kicks off National Fishing Week in Canada.

From July 1st to 9th, Canadians of all ages are encouraged to get out and enjoy our angling heritage.

Here, Mike Melnik, Managing Director with the Canada National Sportfishing Foundation,
talks about when and why the week began.

“We’ve been doing national fishing weeks for just over twenty years. It was started by a gentleman by the name of Rick Amsbury. He had this idea that if we promoted fishing, it would be a way to get kids into the outdoors, to experience what’s underneath the water, to care for and become caretakers of the resource.”

With over 1 million lakes, rivers and streams, plus three oceans, Canada boasts one of the most diverse natural environments on the planet.

For more on National Fishing Week go to catchfishing DOT com.

You can also listen to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.