The forecast may be wind and snow but avid sport fishers in Prince Edward Island are getting ready to set their lines.
Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan announced the 2001 winter fishery will open Saturday, January 6 and run through to March 25.
"Fishing is a favourite pastime for many Islanders and this gives them the opportunity to enjoy that pastime in what is traditionally the off-season. I know many anglers look forward to the 'first ice' just as much as the first day of the spring season," the minister said.
Approximately 250 winter angling licenses are sold each year so there is considerable interest in the sport, but still plenty of room for growth, said Minister Gillan.
"I encourage Islanders who enjoy fishing to try their hand at winter angling. It offers a unique opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors - and perhaps even take home some delicious trout," he added.
The winter fishery is once again restricted to Glenfinnan Lake in Glenfinnan and O'Keefe Lake in Avondale. Both lakes are well stocked with rainbow trout and indications are the season will be a good one, Minister Gillan said.
Fishing is permitted seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Anglers may not fish more than one set line and the daily catch limit is five fish. All pertinent angling regulations apply to the winter fishery and additional regulations are in place to protect the environment and public safety. No shacks are allowed on the ice and all shelter material and litter must be removed. As well, holes in the ice must be clearly marked with a tree branch.
Minister Gillan urged winter anglers to exercise caution when they venture out on the ice.
"In particular, anglers should ensure the ice is thick enough to support them, and they should never go fishing alone," he said. "Taking care to follow these and other safety tips will prevent a fun winter outing from turning into a tragedy."
Winter angling licenses cost $5 and are required by all anglers over the age of 16. Anglers are also required to be in possession of a valid Wildlife Conservation Fund (WCF) permit which costs $13. A WCF permit for the year 2000 is valid for the winter fishery.
Both the licenses and permits are available at Access PEI locations across the province, at the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment at 11 Kent Street, Charlottetown, and from the following vendors: Buster's Service Station, Cherry Valley; Community Market, North Rustico; Island Rod & Flies, Charlottetown; Poole's Corner Irving, Roseneath; Gordie's Irving, Summerside; Davey's Grocery, Baldwins Road; MacPhee's Home Hardware, Souris; and Ritchie's Army-Navy Surplus, Charlottetown.
For more information on the winter fishery, contact the Fish and Wildlife Division at (902) 368-4683.