Festival Coquitlam and other local organizations are calling fishers of all ages to participate in two free events that aim to bring the whole family together.
This includes dads and father figures who love to reel in a big catch over the summer.
A pair of fishing days are set to take place — one at Como Lake next Sunday (May 29) and another at Lafarge Lake on June 19, which also happens to be Father's Day.
And both are completely free, and anglers won't need a fishing licence.
"A freshwater fishing licence is not required for kids under age 16 in B.C. and is therefore not needed for these events, but if the family gets hooked on fishing you'll need to look into it," Festival Coquitlam's release reads.
Como Lake
Youth under 16 years old are being invited to Como Lake for a family fishing derby.
According to Festival Coquitlam, the event has brought hundreds of children each year with their parents to fish in the popular pond off Gatensbury Street.
As well, a pancake breakfast is set to be served, by donation, by the Kinsmen Club of Coquitlam, and the Port Coquitlam and District Hunting and Fishing Club.
Prizes are also set ot be given to the largest, smallest and strangest catch of the day.
The event takes place from 6 a.m. to noon on May 29.
Lafarge Lake
In past years, hundreds of residents have gathered at Coquitlam's Lafarge Lake in the hopes of catching rainbow trout on a bright summer day.
On Father's Day (June 19), Festival Coquitlam is inviting families to Town Centre Park as part of B.C.'s free fishing weekend, which allows anyone to fish in local waters without a licence.
Activities are set to include fly tying, casting lessons and a salmon raffle, and experts will be on site to teach techniques for catching local trout.
The Kin Club of Coquitlam will also be at this event for a feast of lunch and snacks, by donation as well.
Prizes will also be handed out at the end of the day.
Family Fishing Day takes place from noon to 5 p.m. on June 19.
Interested participants to both fishing events are asked to bring the following:
- Basic fishing gear
- Rod and reel
- Fishing line
- Hook
- Bobber
- Weight
- Bait or flies
- Appropriate clothing
- Hat and sunscreen for a hot day
- Rain gear for a wet one
- Snacks and drinks (think litterless options and take home your waste and recycling)
- Lawn chair(s)
For more information, you're encouraged to visit Festival Coquitlam's website.
