Island families who are thinking about making angling part of their summer plans will have the chance to fish for free during the upcoming Take Your Family Fishing Weekend. No licences will be required to drop a fishing line in the many streams and ponds throughout the province from Friday, May 20, to Monday evening, May 23.
Speaking in the Provincial Legislature Friday, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem said the annual Take Your Family Fishing Weekend is part of ongoing efforts to promote fishing as a fun and inexpensive family activity.
“Fishing is a great way for families to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend quality time together. The biggest challenge is getting people out that first time,” said Minister Ballem. “Take Your Family Fishing Weekend is designed to give families the added incentive to give fishing a try. Once they do, we believe they’ll be hooked.”
The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry can help first-time anglers get started with maps of fishing locations across the province as well as Catch Fishing! booklets that offer tips on everything from buying fishing gear to cleaning and cooking your catch. For further information, call 368-4683 or visit the website at www.gov.pe.ca/go/familyfishing
Several community groups across Prince Edward Island will also be hosting youth fishing events the holiday weekend.
“With community volunteers on hand to help bait hooks, offer pointers and answer questions, these events are a great way to introduce children to fishing,” said Minister Ballem. “I want to thank all of the volunteers for their time and effort, and most importantly, for passing on their love of fishing to young Islanders.”
Islanders are invited to take in one of the following events Saturday, May 21: Montague Fire Pond, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., hosted by Montague Watershed Enhancement Co-op and Southeast Environmental Association; Mooney’s Pond in Peakes, 8 a.m. - 12 noon, hosted by Morell River Management Co-op; Pondside Park in Stratford, 8 a.m. - 12 noon, hosted by Central Queens Wildlife Federation; Hermitage Creek Pond (Charlottetown Rural), 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., hosted by Trout Unlimited Canada; and Hyde Pond in Cornwall, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., hosted by Cornwall Parks and Recreation.
On Sunday, May 22, Souris Wildlife Federation will host a youth fishing event at the Souris Wildlife Federation Pond in Rollo Bay (formerly Rollo Bay U-Fish), 1-5 p.m.
Fishing at all sites is open to youth ages 15 and under, and parents are welcome to come along to pick up some tips for their next family fishing outing. All events include a free barbecue.
While licences are not required during the Take Your Family Fishing Weekend, anglers are reminded that they must observe all regulations including catch limits. The regulations are in place to protect the future of the sport fishery and the environment. Anyone planning to go fishing the holiday weekend is encouraged to pick up a copy of the Angling Summary 2005. Copies are available at Access PEI sites and from vendors across the province, and it is online at www.gov.pe.ca/enveng