The hatchery at Point Edward was filled with sounds of excitement as the Bluewater Anglers hosted their annual Kids Training Day on May 31. With exactly 100 spots available, the event filled up fast, drawing eager children ages six to 12 and their families for a morning of fishing, learning, and community camaraderie.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., volunteers guided junior anglers through essentials such as choosing the right rod, casting techniques, and tying fishing knots. They also stressed the importance of boating and water safety. Each participant enjoyed testing new skills at the stocked rainbow trout pond, often reeling in their very first fish.
Held at the local hatchery, the event was as much about nurturing young talent as it was about community. Sponsorship from the Point Edward Optimists and Goldfish Crackers meant hotdogs, snacks, and pop kept energy levels high all afternoon. Generous donations by Nova Chemicals and the OFAH Membership Community Projects Fund enabled organizers to work with Zale Outdoors and Cabin Creek Supply Chatham so that every participant left the event with an Okuma rod and reel combo as well as a starter tackle box.
“It’s incredible to see the outpouring of support from our community partners,” event organizer Matt Coqu said. "Thanks to them, we're not only able to teach kids the basics of angling but also equip them with the tools they need to get out and try it themselves."
The Bluewater Anglers, an OFAH-affiliated club known for its commitment to sustaining fish stocks in Lake Huron, have a long-standing tradition of community outreach. Their hatchery in Point Edward — built in the 1980s and today producing hundreds of thousands of trout and salmon annually — is the heart of this effort. Events like Kids Training Day connect these conservation efforts directly to the community, allowing children to experience stewardship firsthand.
Kids Training Day isn't just about teaching children how to fish. It's about fostering a deep respect for nature and passing on a tradition of conservation that aligns with the broader mission of OFAH Membership. Through hands-on education, community connection, and environmental stewardship, the Bluewater Anglers are helping to raise the next generation of responsible anglers and conservationists. As an OFAH-affiliated club, their commitment to sustainable fishing, habitat restoration, and youth engagement reflects the core values of preserving Ontario's natural resources for generations to come.
Give back: The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is a member-supported organization. Our mandate is to conserve, protect, and enhance Ontario’s wild places for hunters, anglers, and everyone. Your membership supports important work. Learn more and join us: www.ofah.org/membership
Originally published in the Ontario Out of Doors 2025-2026 Hunting Annual
