Hockey and skiing may be what comes to mind when most people think of winter sports, but for avid sport fishers in Prince Edward Island it's winter angling.
Minister of Environment Chester Gillan announced the 2003 winter fishery will open Saturday, January 4 and run through to March 30. As in past years, it is restricted to Glenfinnan Lake in Glenfinnan and O'Keefe Lake in Avondale.
"Both lakes are well stocked with rainbow trout so anglers can look forward to good fishing," said Minister Gillan. "I encourage Islanders who enjoy fishing to try their hand at winter angling. It offers a unique opportunity to enjoy this favourite pastime in what is traditionally the off-season."
Minister Gillan added winter angling is a fun and inexpensive winter activity for families. Youngsters under age 16 do not require a licence to participate in the winter fishery. As well, anglers who have a 2002/03 trout licence are free to participate in the fishery, while those who do not already have a licence can purchase a special winter angling permit for only $5. Anglers are also required to be in possession of a valid Wildlife Conservation Fund (WCF) permit which costs $13. A WCF permit for the year 2002 is valid for the winter fishery.
Minister Gillan urged winter anglers to exercise caution when they venture out on the ice, particularly with milder weather in the forecast this week.
"Anglers should ensure the ice is thick enough to support them - that is at least six inches of ice for small groups of people and 10 inches or more for snowmobiles. Other important rules to help ensure a safe outing are never go fishing alone and ensure someone knows where you are fishing and when you will return."
Winter angling is permitted seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Anglers may not fish more than one set line and the daily catch limit is five fish. All pertinent angling regulations apply to the winter fishery and additional regulations are in place to protect the environment and public safety. Holes in the ice must be clearly marked with a tree branch; no shacks are allowed on the ice; and all shelter material and litter must be removed. A charge of littering while angling results in an automatic one-year suspension of a fishing licence.
Winter angling permits and Wildlife Conservation Fund permits are available at the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment at 11 Kent Street, Charlottetown. They will also be available soon at Access PEI locations across the province, as well as several vendors. For more information on the winter fishery, contact the Fish and Wildlife Division at (902) 368-4683.