A few local events taking place during licence-free Family Fishing Week

Fishing is a big business in Ontario.

Officials say 1.3 million licensed anglers take part in recreational fishing and contribute about $2.5-billion to the Ontario economy each year.

But, from tomorrow (Saturday) through July 12th, the province is encouraging families to explore the great outdoors with their Family Fishing week.

It means Ontarians can fish without buying a licence.

Non-residents still need a licence and anglers are reminded to follow the rules in the 2015 Fishing Regulations Summary.

Meantime, there’s a number of events taking place across the province for Family Fishing Week.

Locally, the first annual Eagle Lake Kids Bass Fishing Derby goes all day tomorrow (Saturday) at 2370 Eagle Lake Road in South River.

The Powassan Fishing Derby is set for Monday from 8am to 12 noon at the municipal beach at Hydro Pond while next Sunday, July 12th the 3rd annual Family Fun Fishing Derby goes at the public beach on Wasi Lake in Chisholm.

That event runs from 8am to 1:30 pm, again on July 12th.