Non Resident Youth Question

This is not Simcoe related but I know there is a lot of knowledge in this forum. I have a place in Ontario in zone 19 on an island. There are a lot of young non resident children that are always fishing the canals on the south end and I get asked a lot by their parents if they need a fishing license. This is what the rule book says.

Non-Canadian residents under 18 years of age may fish without an Outdoors Card and license if accompanied by a person who has a valid Ontario recreational fishing license. Any fish kept are part of the catch and possession limit of the person who holds the license.

Does this mean they may not go fishing without a licensed person period? Can an 8 year old buy a outdoors card and license? I know in Michigan if you are under 17 you can not buy one bc you do not need one, resident or not.

I'd sure hate to see these kids get into some trouble bc I answered their question wrong. It's so refreshing to see these small groups of young fishermen and fishing gals walking around with poles and nets just like the old days.

I think you will find most of our CO's would be excited to speak with a young fisherman and take that opportunity as an educational event, explaining several of our regulations, identification and proper handling. If they are in violation or not. It's great to see youth taking part in our fisheries and mentors like you wanting to help. What I have experienced this year is a failure with youth knowing how to unhook and release a fish with out dragging it around the banks looking for help. Perhaps this is why the regs require a licensed individual to be present. My personal opinion is if my grandchild is near the waters edge fishing or not I'm beside or behind them watching and mentoring.

Try calling this number. 1-800-387-7011, I couldn't find anything for non resident under 18 not accompanied by an adult to buy a non resident licence.

The reg's continue to say.................

Alternatively, non-Canadian residents under 18 years of age may purchase an Outdoors Card and Recreatonal Fishing License to have their own limits.

So this implies that if the Non Res, under the age of 18, must be accompanied by someone with a valid card or must buy a their own card.

Since it's a group of kids I would argue that only one member of the fishing party needs to have a valid card. Better safe then sorry. You never know what mood the CO is in and the last thing we need is a bad experience for these young anglers.

kids are kids and yes it's great to see them fishing

To learn how to take hooks out and all the rest and adult licensed person should be with them imo


that is basically what the regs are saying as well

I agree with LS, How the kids going to learn proper fishing. If non resident where the parents and supervision. Yes I fished by myself as a kid 60 years ago, but I had my dad teach me for several years while being supervised and the creek was shallow and I had to know how to swim before venturing out by myself.

I am all for all kids fishing resident or not. In Eire Pa I used to take my daughter and pre 16 she didn’t need a licence and it did t matter that she was not from the US. Why they did this is to promote fishing to youth and to promote their states fishing opportunities.

Our Provence likes to segregate children of Canadian residence from non Canadian residence. I have read the regs and think for non resident kids they are ridiculous. The MNR has missed the boat on advertising our provinces fishery to future non resident anglers.

Here you go. Per 2023 Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary: