March 26, 2026
For Immediate Release
First Keep Canada Fishing Dinner and Auction a Resounding Success!
The inaugural Keep Canada Fishing Dinner and Auction, which took place last Thursday, March 19th at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, raised an impressive $70,000 to support programs that promote and protect recreational fishing across Canada.
Organized by the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association (CSIA) and Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation (CNSF), the Keep Canada Fishing Dinner brought together industry leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, conservation advocates, and corporate partners who share a desire to grow and protect recreational fishing in Canada through programs such as Kids, Cops & Canadian Tire Fishing Days, National Fishing Week and Keep Canada Fishing.
“We are thrilled with the results of our first fundraising dinner,” said Rob Walton, President of the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association. “I want to thank Scott Morrow of Outfitter Financial for being the dinner’s presenting sponsor, Mike Blakoe of the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show for being our gracious host and all of our sponsors, contributors and, of course, everyone who came out last Thursday to support such a great cause,” added Walton. “We are already planning our 2027 dinner!”
During the lively evening, guests bid on a variety of high-value items, including a fishing adventure for two at Plummer’s Arctic Lodge on Great Slave Lake, two days on the water with Canadian pro angler Jeff Gustafson, and a 14’ Smoker Craft boat and trailer with a Yamaha outboard motor.
The night also saw recognition of valued leaders in the outdoors community. The Honorable Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources in Ontario, presented the first-ever Keep Canada Fishing Award to Sgt. Mike Driscoll of the Gananoque Police Service for his work in organizing a very successful grassroots Kids and Cops fishing event in his home region. Over the last few years, Sgt. Driscoll has introduced over 1000 children to fishing, bringing families and enforcement officers together for a positive experience and helping children find new ways to respect the world and the people around them.
The dinner was a success thanks to support from sponsors and donors, including Presenting Sponsor, Outfitter Financial.
Outfitter Financial CEO Scott Morrow espoused the benefits of connecting with others in the Canadian fishing community, and the value of programs like Kids and Cops. “I felt it was a community that I connected with and a community I could give back to. I’m excited for the CSIA and for the future of fishing.”
Other sponsors included The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, Shimano, Smoker Craft, Yamaha, Berkley, Chantler Transport, HuntSA, Outdoor Canada, Lucky Strike Bait Works, Nobis, Artage Portraits, the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, Johnson Outdoors, and CanCast.
The event was also supported by Can-Am Sales Group, SAIL, Canadian Tire, Scotty, Graywood Sporting Group, Rapala, YETI, Simms Fishing, Oakley, Browning Arms Company, Columbia, KEEN Footwear, Mercury Marine, Lowrance Electronics, Hall Rod Company, COAST, BC Sportfishing Group, Hay Lake Cottages, Kooy Brothers Equipment Ltd., Canadian Off Grid, GARMIN, Blue Dog 3PL, Walleye County, Pro-Guide Batteries, Bradley Smoker, Captain Paul Powis, Mike Reader, and Butcher Buoy Charters.
To be part of next year’s dinner, contact Mike Melnik, Managing Director of the CSIA & CNSF at mike@catchfishing.com or call/text 705-931-3282 or Rob Walton, President of the CSIA & CNSF at rob.walton@purefishing.com or call/text 905-317-0798.
About the CSIA & CNSF: The Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association and its partner organization Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation are non-profit organizations comprised of manufacturers, retailers, distributors, sales agencies and outdoor media dedicated to the promotion and protection of recreational fishing in Canada. Our programs include National Fishing Week, Catch Fishing, Keep Canada Fishing, and Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Days.
