Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan has announced the spring angling season will open Saturday, April 13.
In announcing the date for opening day, Minister Gillan said his department took into consideration the many views expressed.
Traditionally, the angling season has opened April 15. However, last year opening day was changed to Saturday, April 14, as part of an effort to encourage youth to participate in the sport fishery. Minister Gillan said retaining the Saturday opening is important.
"Fishing has long been a favourite pastime of Islanders, and I appreciate the fact that opening day is a tradition that long-time anglers eagerly anticipate," said Minister Gillan. "That excitement associated with opening day is precisely why we want to have the season open on a Saturday. No other day compares to opening day, and we want to give families the opportunity to experience that."
Ultimately, Minister Gillan said the goal is to encourage a new generation of sport fishers to carry on this Island tradition. He pointed out that Prince Edward Island, like other provinces, has witnessed a steady decline in the number of recreational fishers in recent years.
Minister Gillan said his department had looked at the possibility of opening the 2002 angling season on Saturday, April 20, but recognized that many anglers felt that was too late.
Prior to the next fishing season, Minister Gillan said he will consult with Islanders to decide the best approach to take in determining the opening date in future years, whether it should be the Saturday closest to April 15 or the second or third Saturday of the month. That will allow Islanders to plan ahead for opening day, he added.
Angling licences will be available later this month at Access PEI sites and from vendors across the province. All anglers 16 years of age and older must be in possession of an angling licence, as well as a valid Wildlife Conservation Fund permit.
Through the Wildlife Conservation Fund, anglers contribute directly to the maintenance and enhancement of the wildlife resources from which they derive so much enjoyment. A portion of the funds goes to support the Cardigan Fish Hatchery and its production of trout and salmon in support of public fisheries. As well, in 2000-2001, more than $80,000 funding support went to 47 community-led conservation projects including a children's fishing pond and over 25 projects directed at enhancing stream conditions for fish.
With the approach of opening day, Minister Gillan reminds anglers to respect the regulations in place to protect the future of the sport fishery and the environment and to exercise caution when out fishing, particularly in the early days of the season when there is often still ice on the water.
The 2002 Angling Summary, which will be available at all licence vendors, is an excellent source of information on relevant regulations, fishing ethics, and safety tips. If anglers have any questions, they are encouraged to contact the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, Fish and Wildlife Division, at 368-4683, or to speak to their local conservation officer.