Islanders are encouraged to rediscover the enjoyment that comes with a day of fishing during the Take Your Family Fishing Weekend this Victoria Day weekend.
Speaking in the Provincial Legislature Wednesday, Minister of Environment Chester Gillan said no licences will be required to drop a fishing line in the many streams and ponds throughout the province from Friday, May 16, to Monday evening, May 19.
"For many Islanders, fishing was a favourite family activity when they were growing up. This is the perfect opportunity for those people to rekindle their interest and make fishing a part of their family outings this summer," 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 events across the province Saturday, May 17.
O'Leary Wildlife Federation invites youth to an event at Rosebank Pond, Bloomfield Corner;
Hyde Creek Environmental Committee will be hosting youth fishing at Hyde Creek Pond in Cornwall;
Central Queens Wildlife Federation is sponsoring an event at Pondside Park in Stratford;
Central Queens Wildlife Federation, in conjunction with Trout Unlimited and the Queen Arms Conservation and Beautification Committee, will be hosting a youth fishing event at the pond next to Charlottetown Rural High School in Hermitage Creek;
The Community of Mount Stewart invites youth to Doyle's Dam on Highway 2 near Mount Stewart;
Morell River Management Co-op will host youth at Mooney's Pond Interpretive Centre;
Montague Watershed Enhancement Committee will host youth fishing at the Fire Dam in Montague; and
Souris Wildlife Federation is organizing a youth fishing event at Rollo Bay.
All events are scheduled to get underway at 9 a.m. and will include a free barbecue at lunch time. Fishing at all sites is 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 said all the ponds will be well-stocked and community volunteers, as well as local conservation officers and watershed enhancement coordinators from the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, will be on hand to help bait hooks and offer pointers.
The youth fishing events and Take Your Family Fishing Weekend are part of continuing efforts by the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment to promote family fishing. Minister Gillan recognized the PEI Wildlife Federation, the Souris and Area Wildlife Federation, Central Queens Wildlife Federation and the Atlantic Salmon Federation for their invaluable support in promoting this year's campaign.
Like other provinces, Prince Edward Island witnessed a steady decline in the number of recreational fishers in recent years. However, that trend was reversed last year with sales of trout licences up by eight per cent and salmon licences by almost 18 per cent.
"We want to continue to work with our community partners to build on that success," said Minister Gillan. "Fishing is a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors and it is a fun and inexpensive family activity. We're confident that as we get more people to try it, they'll be hooked."
While licences are not required this weekend, all anglers are reminded that 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.