Effective April 1, 2023, Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO) have taken over as the coordinators for the Experience Fishing Program!

Kate Boissonneault of the NOTO team was shadowing Emma Jones during the 2022 season to learn all the ins and outs of the project. NOTO is very excited to continue the growth and expansion of the Experience Fishing Program!

1) Recruit 10 new operators.

2) Create additional how-to tutorials YouTube videos.

• Looking at expanding the current series of how-to videos to include additional topics such as spooling a reel, different knots, how to tie lures and properly hook bait, proper methods of handling fish and more. Suggestions are always welcomed!

3) Create and maintain relationships with existing sponsors of the Experience Fishing Program.

4) Begin expanding into ice fishing!

• Would include looking into creating a how-to video series, creation of educational resources for guests, and more.
• Looking for lodges who are open year-round who may be interested in piloting this initiative! Contact kate@noto.net.

5) Maintain communications with participant operators and create new, innovative ways to track operator/program success.

6) Maintain social media presence.

• To include operator spotlights in the off-season, sponsor highlights, marketing of the project, guests and operator recruitment and more.

NOTO has had a strong focus on building relationships with existing and potential sponsors of the Experience Fishing Program. So far, we’ve secured sponsorships from Pure Fishing as our Tackle Box and Rod sponsor, and a generous sponsorship from Yamaha Motor Canada which will allow us to work on several key initiatives we hope to complete in Year 6 (as listed in this newsletter). Conversations are on-going with previous and potential sponsors to finalize commitments for Year 6.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSOR

Pure Fishing would like to know if you would be interested in getting in touch with some of their rod, bait and tackle suppliers!

Refill your Experience Fishing kit and/or lodge store through our valued sponsor! Interested operators are encourage to fill in this contact form. Pure Fishing and their suppliers will be in touch!

LOOKING FOR FEEDBACK & DATA

As we continue to look to the future growth and initiatives of the Experience Fishing Program, we are hoping to collect some information from participating operators which will help us identify gaps, and/or opportunities for us to explore further.

Please take a few minutes to complete this quick survey.

ACCESS VALUABLE COURSES BY TOURISM EXCELLENCE NORTH!

Tourism Excellence North provides participating operators with access to courses for free to help you administer the Experience Fishing program at your lodge! These courses cover topics such as:

• Introduction to the Experience Fishing Program
• Social Media
• Customer Service
• Cultural Awareness
• Experiential Travel Packaging

TEN also provides participating lodges the opportunity to participate in the Fast Track to Success program for free!

Fast Track to Success is a one-on-one coaching program, delivered by a skilled consultant retained by Tourism Excellence North, otherwise known as a Training Specialist. Working with owners and operators during their operating season, the Training Specialist provides practical and useful advice to improve business operations. The coaching opportunity includes a pre-visit survey, an on-site visit by the Training Specialist, recommendations that can be implemented the next day and two post-visit opportunities for support. E-mail kate@noto.net if interested.