Fishing: An Afternoon Sport [circa 1945]
UNVEILED August 6, 2020
SPONSORS Vermilion in Bloom
SITE Berkley Road, entrance to Vermilion on the Lake (near Drug Mart)
ARTIST Brian Goodwin
As depicted in this delightful image, fishing for fun and recreation has always been an important draw for Vermilion residents and visitors—whether casting a line yourself or quietly watching while others reel in their catch.
The abundance of lake and river fish were a vital resource for the earliest Vermilion inhabitants. Using spears, nets, and lines, onshore or onboard, enabled native people and settlers to sustain themselves and their families.
As the population grew, fishing evolved into an important commercial industry. Sailboats were used from 1820—1880, then steam tugs with mechanized net pullers took over. Crews harvested white fish, herring, pickerel, and perch which were processed fresh or preserved with salt. These commercial fishing companies established themselves in Vermilion:
Edson Fish Company
Driscoll Fish Company
Kishman Fish Company
Leiderheiser Fish Company
Parsons Fish Company
Southwest Fish Company
Aside from commercial fishing, key Vermilion industries were ship building, lumber, and the stone trade providing jobs along the riverfront.
Eventually commercial fishing declined, but recreational boating and fishing thrived. Today, the vessels that dock on the river's marinas are used for recreation, whether racing, sailing or fishing. Vermilion is home to 11 marinas:
Bulans Boat Yard
Don Parsons Inc. & Mystic Belle
Dry Dock
Key Harbour Marina
Maple Grove Marina & Park
Riverview RV Park and Marina
Romp's Water Port Marina
Valley Harbor Marina Inc.
Vermilion Municipal Docks
Vermilion Power Boats
Vermilion Yacht Club
If you don’t have a boat, don’t worry. Whether fishing for food, fun, or a peaceful escape, all you need is a pole, some bait, and a license.
LEARN MORE
History of Industry on the Vermilion River
Public Art Vermilion's Postcard Project