This Father's Day weekend, Vancouver Island is inviting families to embrace the joy of fishing without the usual license requirements. It's an annual tradition, now in its 27th year, designed to bring people together and introduce them to the world of freshwater fishing.
The event, aptly named Family Fishing Weekend, aims to bridge the gap between solitary anglers and community-oriented fishing enthusiasts. It's an opportunity for families to bond over a shared activity and for experienced fishers to pass on their knowledge and passion.
"Fishing is often seen as a solitary pursuit, but it's also a great way to connect with others," says Jenna Merth, Outreach Coordinator at the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. "There's a vibrant community of freshwater fishing enthusiasts, and we want to encourage more people to join us."
Across Vancouver Island, five events are planned, each offering a range of activities. From children's fishing clinics and fly-tying demonstrations to family barbecues and stream clean-up projects, there's something for everyone. The best part? It's all free, and participants won't need a freshwater fishing license for the duration of the event.
"We want to remove any barriers to entry," explains Merth. "By waiving license requirements, we hope to attract first-time fishers and show them how accessible and enjoyable the sport can be."
The Freshwater Fisheries Society reports that approximately 380,000 people purchased basic freshwater fishing licenses in B.C. in 2025, a six percent increase from the previous year. And with an early spring across much of the province, the 2026 season is off to a promising start.
"Family Fishing Weekend is a great way to kick off the summer and get people excited about fishing," says Merth. "We're looking forward to welcoming new and returning anglers to our events and showing them the beauty of freshwater fishing."
For more information on Family Fishing Weekend and to find an event near you, visit gofishbc.com/bc-family-fishing-weekend. It's a chance to create lasting memories and perhaps discover a new passion.
