Island angling enthusiasts will be ringing in the new year in a unique way this week.
Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem said the 2005 winter fishery will open Saturday, January 1, and run through to March 27.
“Winter angling is a great way for families to get out and enjoy the outdoors,” said Minister Ballem. “I encourage families looking for a fun and inexpensive winter activity to give winter fishing a try.”
Youngsters under age 16 do not require a licence to participate in the winter fishery. As well, anglers who have a 2004/05 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 2004 is valid for the winter fishery.
As in past years, the winter fishery is restricted to Glenfinnan Lake in Glenfinnan and O’Keefe Lake in Avondale. Both lakes have been well stocked with rainbow trout this fall, with 8,600 stocked into O’Keefe and 5,800 into Glenfinnan Lake.
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. There are also additional regulations in place to protect the environment and public safety: 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 Environment, Energy and Forestry at 11 Kent Street in Charlottetown. For more information on the winter fishery, contact the Conservation and Management Division at (902) 368-4683.
Winter Fishing Tips
Given the fluctuations in temperatures this time of year, winter anglers are advised to check ice conditions before heading out and to follow these basic safety precautions:
-Ensure ice is at least 15 cm (six inches) deep to support small groups of people and 25 cm (10 inches) or more for snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles.
-Plan to fish with a friend and let people know where you are going and when you will return.
-Make sure children are supervised by an adult.
-Dress warmly – wear a hat, scarf and mitts.
-Wear a personal floatation device.
-Should you break through the ice, extend your arms flat on the ice surface and kick your feet. Try to squirm the upper part of your body onto the ice. Once out of the water, roll quickly to one side away from the edge. Once you reach safety, get to shore.