A "free" fishing promotion and several youth fishing derbies this Victoria Day weekend will kick off a province-wide campaign to encourage family fishing.
Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan said May 17-20 will be designated Take Your Family Fishing Weekend. No licences will be required to drop a fishing line in the many streams and ponds across the province.
"Even if they haven't picked up a fishing rod in 30 years, most Islanders have fond memories of going fishing when they were kids. This is an opportunity for those people to rediscover the enjoyment that comes with a day of fishing and to create lifetime memories for their children and grandchildren," said Minister Gillan.
As part of Take Your Family Fishing Weekend, the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is partnering with several groups to host youth fishing derbies across the province Saturday, May 18.
• O'Leary Wildlife Federation is hosting a derby at Rosebank Pond (Bloomfield Corner);
• Prince County Fly Fishers Federation is organizing an event at Marchbank's Pond on the Wilmot River;
• Hyde Creek Environmental Committee is hosting a youth fishing derby at Hyde Creek Pond in Cornwall;
• Central Queens Wildlife Federation is hosting a derby at Pondside Park in Stratford;
• Morell River Management Co-op will host a derby at Mooney's Pond Interpretive Centre; and
• Souris Wildlife Federation is organizing a youth fishing derby at Rollo Bay.
All events are scheduled to get underway at 9:00 am and wrap up at noon. The fishing derbies are open to youth ages 15 and under. Parents are welcome to come along to pick up some tips for their next family fishing outing.
Minister Gillan commended volunteers for their efforts in organizing the youth fishing derbies and their willingness to share their love of fishing with young Islanders.
"In most cases the ponds have been stocked with trout, so the fishing will be good, and veteran fishers will be there to offer pointers or lend a hand baiting hooks. And, to cap off what will certainly be a fun morning, volunteers at all events are planning barbeques for the young fishers," the Minister added.
The youth fishing derbies and Take Your Family Fishing Weekend are part of continuing efforts by the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment to promote family fishing. The opening date for the angling season has been changed to a Saturday to give families the opportunity to experience the excitement that always comes with the first day of the season, and the department is partnering with the PEI Wildlife Federation and the Souris and Area Wildlife Federation to promote family fishing over the next several weeks.
"Fishing is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend time with family, enjoying all that the great outdoors has to offer," said Minister Gillan. "Through this campaign, we're hoping people will see what they've been missing and make fishing a part of their outdoor activities this summer."
Take Your Family Fishing Weekend is in effect from Friday, May 17, to Monday evening, May 20. While licences are not required, anglers are reminded they must observe all regulations including catch limits.
If first-time anglers are looking for direction, the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment can provide tips to get started including maps of fishing locations across the province. For further information, call (902) 368-5000 or check the web site at www.gov.pe.ca/fae.