FISHING. Launched in 2017 by Michel Sylvestre, the Kanamouche movement has seen steady growth since its beginnings. The organization continues to carry out its introductory fly fishing activities in schools in the region, including the École Beaurivage, and is now able to make itself known to the general public thanks to its new project, the television series Kanamouche… a fishing story!

By Érick Deschênes – Special collaboration

With 35 years of experience in the world of television, including more than twenty years as director of La Semaine Verte on Radio-Canada, Michel Sylvestre quickly came to the conclusion that the movement he founded could be a good lead for a television series . The new retiree contacted the MAtv Québec team to propose his concept and thus introduce the initiative to more people.

“I presented the project to them and they immediately agreed and didn’t hesitate for a second. Initially I was leaning towards an hour and a half documentary, but the MAtv team preferred a series of six 30 minute episodes. At the time I had a little doubt as it was something completely different. But in the end we were able to create six episodes, even though we had so much material that we could have done seven. I am pleased that we were able to highlight the passion of the volunteers who are committed to imparting their knowledge to young people,” recalled Mr. Sylvestre.

MAtv viewers can discover a typical year of activity within the Kanamouche movement. The series follows the organization’s volunteers as they teach fly-making and rod-tying workshops for this type of fishing during the school year, as well as the teenagers who participate in training and activities. Introduction to fly fishing offered by the organization.

Small project becomes big

Like Kanamouche… a fishing story! Michel Sylvestre firmly believes that his movement will experience a new “big hit” of popularity across the MAtv network. It must be said that the initiative has been very successful for six years.

Michel Sylvestre, a former luthier, became over time a great lover of fly fishing, especially the manufacture of the rods necessary for the practice of this sport. This interest also led to the creation of his own company, Cannes à Mouche Sylvestre, together with his son Gilbert, who shares his passion.

Entrance to the school

As a former student at the Collège de Lévis, in 2017 he suggested to David Lehoux, the institution’s general director, that he organize a workshop on fly fishing. It was at this point that the Kanamouche movement was born.

The initiative gained momentum. Thanks to the support of the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, the Quebec Hunters and Fishermen’s Association and the Héritage Faune Foundation, workshops on this topic will be offered in ten secondary schools, including the Collège de Lévis, the École du milieu, the Saint-Anselme secondary school, the École Beaurivage and the Collège Jésus-Marie de Bellechasse (formerly Dina-Bélanger).

Participating students will also be able to put into practice lessons learned during the Olympics and complete fly fishing courses at fish farms and outfitters. Since 2017, around 200 young people have benefited from the activities of the Kanamouche movement. This year alone over 100 young people have registered.

“The participating schools love our proposal because it is different. Extracurricular sports activities often offer young people the opportunity to play team sports. It’s interesting during high school, but afterward it’s difficult to continue playing sports. With fly fishing we introduce young people to a sport that can be practiced alone, but above all for a lifetime, provided there are no serious health problems,” says Michel Sylvestre, explaining the reason for the success of the Kanamouche movement.

And its founding president is clear that the wind currently blowing in Kanamouche’s sails will not let up. Michel Sylvestre wants to consolidate his organization’s activities in Greater Quebec in order to export his concept on a large scale elsewhere in Quebec. Also note that the Kanamouche movement wants to start a crowdfunding project with the Ruche Chaudière-Appalaches.