With the snowbanks quickly melting away, anglers in Prince Edward Island are counting down the days to the opening of the 2004 season. Thousands of Islanders will be heading to their favourite fishing hole Thursday, April 15, to join in the excitement of opening day. Announcing the season opening in the Provincial Legislature today, Environment and Energy Minister Jamie Ballem, said his department continues to work with Island community groups to promote fishing as a fun and inexpensive family activity.
“Most Islanders have fond memories of fishing when they were children, but unfortunately, today’s young people have so many things competing for their attention that many families have lost the fishing tradition,” said Minister Ballem. “We want to encourage families to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and rediscover the fun that comes with a day of fishing.”
The Province will sponsor the Take Your Family Fishing Weekend May 21-24. While children under the age of 16 do not need a licence to fish at any time, Islanders of all ages can go fishing without a licence during the May long weekend. As well, several communities will be hosting children’s fishing events.
If first-time anglers are looking for direction, the Department of Environment and Energy can provide tips to get started including a “how to” guide and maps of fishing locations throughout Prince Edward Island. The Angling Summary 2004 is also an excellent source of information on all relevant regulations, fishing ethics and safety.
Of note in the regulations this year, Marchbank’s Pond and Arsenault’s Pond (also known as Millar’s Pond) on the Wilmot River remain closed to fishing in 2004 to allow stocks to continue to recover from the fish kills in the river in 2002. Copies of the Angling Summary, as well as licences and the 2003/2004 Wildlife Conservation Fund Report are available at Access PEI sites and from vendors across the province.
Through the Wildlife Conservation Fund, anglers contribute directly to the maintenance and enhancement of the wildlife resources from which they derive so much enjoyment. In 2003/2004, a total of $129,900 was distributed. That included a $60,000 contribution to the Cardigan Fish Hatchery for production of trout and salmon in support of public fisheries, and a total of $69,900 for 40 community projects ranging from stream enhancement work to support for youth fishing and research into the environmental benefits of hedgerows.
“When you consider the hours of volunteer time that go into each project, the total value of the work carried out far exceeds the funding provided from the Wildlife Conservation Fund,” said Minister Ballem. “These community groups make a tremendous contribution to protecting and enhancing our natural environment in Prince Edward Island.”
Another way anglers are helping protect fish stocks is by practising catch and release. Released fish live to challenge not just one, but many anglers; and fish that live to spawn enhance future fish stocks. An increasing number of Islanders are taking up catch and release fishing.
The Department of Environment and Energy will be measuring this and other fishing trends in an angler survey which will be carried out during the first two weeks of the season. By gathering information on fishing effort, catch rates, and angler opinions and satisfaction, the survey will help the department determine how best to manage fish populations.
For further information on the spring angling season, Islanders are encouraged to speak to their local conservation officer or call 368-4683. Those planning to take part in opening day are reminded that some ponds may still have ice cover. Please exercise caution when fishing and respect the regulations which are in place to protect the future of the sport fishery and the environment.