Jenny Kim may be new to fishing, but she has already mastered the fish story.

When her husband, Sean, described a catch yesterday as 25 centimetres long, she embellished the measurement.

“No, we could say 30.”

The two celebrated the start of National Fishing Week by trying their luck in the Desjardins Canal, under the high-level bridge.

These keeners were up at 4 a.m. to leave their Pickering home and get lines in water by 6 a.m.

“I came here last year with friends and found this place awesome for carp and catfish,” Sean Kim said.

It was the Kims’ first fishing outing without the advice of veteran fishing folk.

Even with traffic roaring above on Highway 403, Sean said: “I love it here. It is so relaxing and so beautiful. At 6 a.m., there was no traffic, just the birds. After we fish, we’ll go rollerblading on the (waterfront) trail.”

The Kims are the kind of people the national body Catch Fishing are trying to hook — newcomers who make it a family activity.

Its National Fishing Week campaign promotes it as “excellent outdoor activity that fosters family values and can assist children in their emotional and social development.”

It also stresses the number of excellent and inexpensive fishing options close to home.

By 8 a.m. yesterday, the birdsong that had serenaded the Kims at 6 a.m. was drowned out by rail cars groaning overhead.

That’s no problem for Nyazuddien Ahmed, of Guelph.

“When you get here early it is very peaceful. There is fresh air, a good breeze, a nice walk in and you can hear the birds singing. You come here for a few hours and it’s relaxing. If you have no luck, that’s OK. It’s time on my own.”

Ahmed said the spot across from Princess Point has provided fruitful fishing.

“Almost every time I catch fish – — carp, catfish, silver birch. I especially like the channel catfish.”

He eats them all, noting the catfish is wonderful on the barbecue and treated with breading and garlic.

via TheSpec.com – Local – Hooked on fishing … stories.