PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 02/08/13 -- Recent cold temperatures have been building up ice and excitement for Ontario Family Fishing Events (OFFE), February 16-18, 2013, when Canadian residents can fish Ontario public waters licence-free.

Where ice conditions permit safe fishing opportunities, community groups and other organizations will be offering events that provide fishing instruction for children and their families. OFFE will be taking place province wide from February 16 through February 18, (12:01 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Monday) which includes the provincial Family Day holiday.

"Ice fishing is a great Canadian winter pastime and a very family-friendly activity," said Angelo Lombardo, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Executive Director. "If you've never tried ice fishing, this is the perfect time to head out with the family or join one of the many events across the province designed specifically for newcomers to the sport."

One event in particular, OFAH Family Ice Fishing Day, is expected to draw more than 1,200 participants to Chemong Lake in Bridgenorth and Ennismore on February 16 from 10 am to 2 pm. This free event has everything that beginners need to get involved: free instruction and bait; fishing gear available for loan; all holes predrilled; and prizes for youth participants.

Fast Facts:

--  Safety first. Never travel on ice unless you know it's safe. Clear, hard
    ice should be a minimum of 6 inches for walking. 
--  The Ontario Family Fishing Events initiative is an OFAH and Ministry of
    Natural Resources partnership, supported by the Canadian Sportfishing
    Industry Association, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and other
    supporters. For more details and a complete list of all events, visit
    www.ontariofamilyfishing.com. 
--  Although Canadian residents between the ages of 18 and 65 do not need a
    licence to fish Ontario waters during this timeframe, participants
    fishing without a licence must fish under the Conservation fishing
    license limits which are set out in the current Ontario Recreational
    Fishing Regulations Summary, found online at www.ontario.ca/fishing and
    in print from some ServiceOntario centres.

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is Ontario's largest, nonprofit, fish and wildlife conservation-based organization, representing 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 710 member clubs. To learn more, visit www.ofah.org.