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Fishing this summer? Here’s everything you need to know

Summer has finally arrived — and Canadians are counting down to the weekends. Whether you’re looking forward to a weekend roadtrip with your family, a fun day spent hiking, or simply kicking back in your backyard oasis, Everything Awaits you at Canadian Tire.

Photo via Canadian Tire
Photo via Canadian Tire

For many families, managing screen time has proven to be a challenging task over the past year. Between online learning, after-school fun, and hours scrolling through social media, parents are searching for safe, outdoor activities the whole family can take part in this summer.

Fishing is an inexpensive, relaxing activity that checks all the boxes for outdoor, family-friendly fun. Thanks to Canada's plethora of lakes (more than any other country in the world!) and coastal waters, the opportunities to get out and drop a line in our renowned waterways are next to endless.

By learning your local regulations, licensing requirements, and the gear you need to make it all happen, you can get fishing faster this summer than getting the kids out the door. For a summer of water, sun and screen-free fun, here's everything you need to know.

Check the requirements

Photo via Canadian Tire
Photo via Canadian Tire

Before setting out for a day at the lake, it's important to know your provincial fishing requirements and regulations. While each province follows its own specific set of rules, the good news is the laws are relatively similar across the country. Each province sets their own freshwater fishing regulations (for example, rules that cover lakes and streams) while fishing in saltwater and national parks are covered by the federal government.

To avoid penalties, anglers will want to note their province's season openings and closings, catch limits, and slot limits. In addition, each province and territory requires specific documentation, which may include a fishing license, outdoors card, and boat registration. Catch fish and not fines by checking your local government website before you cast a line.

Gear to get started

Photo via Canadian Tire
Photo via Canadian Tire

Whether you're heading out for a day of fly fishing, bait fishing, ice fishing, or any other type, you'll need some basic fishing gear to get started. A spinning reel and rod combo is a great jumping off place for those new to the sport.

The length of a fishing rod typically varies from six to 12 feet and should be chosen based on the type of fishing you'll be doing. In general, smaller fishing rods cast shorter distances, and vice versa for longer rods. As longer rods go greater distances, they're a good option for deep water fishing or if you're covering a large span of water. However, if you're still getting your feet wet (no pun intended), experts recommend starting with a 6'6" rod to allow for a balanced amount of casting distance and accuracy.

When choosing a fishing rod for your child, you'll want to pay attention to length. Look for combination roads that measure three to four feet so your child can handle it with ease. Rods made of graphite, fibreglass and composite blends are smart options as they can typically withstand the wear-and-tear that a young angler unintentionally brings with them.

Lures and bait

Photo via Canadian Tire
Photo via Canadian Tire

Next up to a rod and reel are lures and bait. Whether you buy your baits or catch your own, there are a handful of options you can use to get started. Worms, maggots, nightcrawlers and crickets can all be used to bait your hook, or if you don't want to deal with creepy crawlies, Canadian Tire has a large selection of hard and soft baits to choose from.

The choice between hard and soft bait is a matter of preference. Soft baits are known for their maneuverability and affordability, whereas hard baits tend to last longer and look more realistic to lure fish in.

Once you get comfortable using bait, lures are another important tool to keep in your fishing kit. Lures act as attractors designed to catch a fish's attention. While it may seem like there are endless options of lures to choose from, spoons and spinners, plugs and jigs are among the basic lures you'll come to encounter.

In addition to lures and bait, every well-equipped tackle box should include hooks, bobbers and sinkers, line, snap swivels, and needle-nosed pliers. An easy starting-off point is the Plano Tackle box, 2-Tray from Canadian Tire. Plus, it's been given the TESTED badge, which means that real Canadians have put it to the test and deemed it a quality product.

Go past the shore

Photo via Canadian Tire
Photo via Canadian Tire

For fishing enthusiasts eager to escape the shore, Canadian Tire has an impressive selection of inflatables to help make those dreams come true. Rather than investing thousands of dollars into a new hobby, the Kondor 2000 Inflatable Boat gives you the thrill of boat fishing without the steep price tag. The inflatable boat comes with oar locks and a repair kit so you can go further for longer.

If you love kayaking, you can also step up your fishing experience with a fishing kayak. These kayaks, made specifically for the sport, have additional features like flush mount and/or swivel fishing rod holders, as well as storage space for your equipment. Fishing kayaks are stable enough to stand on, for increased visibility and casting. One of the most popular options is the Pelican Sentinel 100X Angler Kayak, which features an adjustable ERGOFORM™ padded backrest with seat cushion and molded footrests to ensure you're comfortable while fishing.

Or, if your version of fishing includes a beverage or two, the Outbound Connectable Island includes a handy removable cooler. The inflatable is larger enough to fit two adults and is the perfect summer accessory for floating down the river, rod and reel optional.

No matter what your fishing level is, Canadian Tire has all the fishing gear at a store near you to get you fishing like a pro. Check out more of everything you need here.

Summer is finally here — and Canadian Tire and Yahoo are helping you take advantage of every single moment. From weekend camping and roadtrip must-haves to tips on how to make your backyard the ultimate oasis, Everything Awaits you at Canadian Tire.