Free fishing in Ontario will be offered by the province all weekend long, in honour of Mother's Day and the start of the spring season.

What more could mom want? 

#DYK Canadian residents can fish for free this Mother’s Day weekend?

Get outdoors and enjoy fishing this weekend on one of many lakes or rivers across the province. https://t.co/t3JFFVOvaH#FamilyFishingWeekend #FreeFishing pic.twitter.com/LI9sGnaK1M

— Ontario Natural Resources and Forestry (@ONresources) May 11, 2023

Graydon Smith, Natural Resources and Forestry Minister, said this is an opportunity for families to bond, while experiencing the great outdoors together.

"This is a fantastic way for families to get out and enjoy one of Ontario’s greatest natural resources – our beautiful lakes, rivers and streams," Smith said.

Whether you're experienced or a first-timer, you'll be able to go out without a fishing license on May 13 and 14. Typically, people would require an Ontario Outdoors Card in addition to the license to be able to catch fish in the province, neither of which are required this weekend.

Ontario holds free fishing dates four times a year. The first took place over Family Day weekend and the next will occur over Father's Day Weekend from June 17 to 18. A full week from July 1 to 9 will also be offered this summer.

If you don't have your own fishing rods or reels, you can borrow one for free through TackleShare, run by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

Do note conservation licence catch limits and size restrictions still apply, and anglers have to carry identification with their name and birth date. You'll also have to check the fisheries zone for species you can catch.