Are you tired of the pandemic? Then it's time to go fishing!

National Fishing Week in Canada takes place this year from July 3 to 11. This country is home to about a quarter of the planet's freshwater resources, with more lakes, rivers, streams and miles of coastline than any other area of the globe. That's why fishing has been, and continues to be, one of Canadians' most popular pastimes for generations.

Rest on the course

A fishing trip outdoors to unwind and take your mind off the sad news of this year is the perfect summer holiday. Especially since all Canadians already have a great reason to celebrate: the number of COVID-19 infections has dropped dramatically in most parts of the country recently.

However, personal safety precautions should not be forgotten during the holidays either: "Fishing Week is our traditional holiday, an annual summer event designed to help Canadians experience the thrill of an activity that is hundreds of years old," said Mike Melnick, managing director of the Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation (CNSF). — These days, however, let's not forget the social distance either."

Support small business

Mike Melnyk advised everyone to fish alone or with family members and not to exceed the allowed number of people gathering together.

Since small businesses were hit hard during the pandemic, Melnyk suggested that all fishermen support their favorite retailers, travel companies and fishing tackle shops by purchasing a gift card from them or ordering fishing supplies online.

"Medics have proven the mental health benefits of fishing, which is especially important in our dire conditions of the coronavirus pandemic; fish is also a significant local food source for Canadians. For these reasons, we believe fishing is an important activity that should be encouraged, promoted and celebrated in every way possible," Melnyk added.

Fishing in Alberta

Alberta Environment and Parks Minister Jason Nixon also encouraged fellow citizens to spend the weekend outdoors and celebrate the lifting of coronavirus restrictions: "All weekend you can fish in Alberta waters without purchasing a mandatory fishing licence, but the sport fishing rules still apply."

The minister advised to visit MyWildAlberta.ca to plan their holiday in advance and study all the necessary information: lists of water bodies with permitted fishing, tips for dealing with fish, etc.

Jason Nixon wished everyone a great fishing holiday and advised that his agency is working on a new Alberta sportfishing web application. The new features, based on geolocation, will help anyone who wants to find a suitable fishing spot or learn about the fishing regulations in a particular region.