About Us

Friends in SPORTFISHING provides recreational boating and sportfishing for groups of people with special needs, including children. The organization was formed in 1993 and registered as a charity in 1996.

Over the years, we have hosted more than 20,000 guests in communities across eastern Ontario. Guests come from families, seniors’ centres, special education groups, hospitals and daycares. Anyone with an identified special need is eligible to participate, entirely free-of-charge.

The program was created primarily for people whose opportunities to participate in outdoor activities have become limited due to medical or personal circumstance. We practice catch-and-release fishing and promote environmental renewal through public education.

As a charity, Friends in SPORTFISHING relies on community and member participation to deliver its services on a continuing basis. The organization remains active year-round in program development, community relations, promotion, volunteer training and public education.

Seeing the joy in our guests when catching a fish and releasing it back into the water alive leaves no doubt about the value of the service we offer. The charity's unique outdoor program really does help people to "Catch a Smile"!

As Friends in SPORTFISHINGTM grows, its plan is to extend to others the same spirit of sharing that people have come to associate with the organization. Requests are now being considered for the formation of chapters in communities across Ontario over the coming years.