Do you enjoy fishing? Renfrew County is blessed with over 900 fresh water lakes and five major rivers that offer numerous spots to drop a line and enjoy the tranquility of fishing. Many people have their own favourite forms of bait and lures to attract the fish. If you like the old fashioned method of hooking a worm on your line, then Paul Laderoute of LaPasse wants to get those worms for you. 

Paul is a student at Bishop Smith High School in Pembroke and lives in the hamlet of LaPasse with his family. Being so close to the Ottawa River, it is only natural that Paul grew up around tourists and local residents who fish the many waterways around his home. Paul developed the idea of supplying worms for the many anglers, and he was helped to start a small business by the Student Summer Company program. Paul received $1500 from the County of Renfrew’s Enterprise Renfrew Centre that administers the program. 

Paul’s worm business is one that involves long hours when most people are still fast asleep in the comfort of their beds. As Paul says, “it is usually still dark when I start the day looking for worms. I am lucky to live in an area that attracts many visitors looking for those great fishing spots. Having grown up in the area, I know the area, and I can also help some people find waterways that are not on the map. I love talking to the tourists and local folks who travel up and down the Ottawa Valley. Being my own boss makes me work that much harder to make some money.” Paul works pretty much every day, and encourages any student to get involved with Summer Company Program and take a shot at being his or her own boss!