Annual Sport Fishing Weekend, June 5-6

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell invites Nova Scotians of all ages to pick up their fishing rods and catch some fish during Nova Scotia Sport Fishing Weekend, June 5-6.

"For five years, anglers young and old have been enjoying this chance to get out fishing," Mr. Colwell said. "If you haven't been out yet, now is the year."

During the weekend, Nova Scotians can fish without a licence for the more than a dozen species of freshwater fish. Atlantic salmon is not included.

The province is co-sponsoring Sport Fishing Weekend with the Canadian Association of Smallmouth Anglers, a provincewide volunteer group dedicated to the promotion of smallmouth bass angling.

A number of groups are planning fishing derbies and other activities during the weekend. Members of the public can check with event co-ordinator Debbie Langille 902-485-5056 for activities planned in their community or can check the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/fish/inland/ .

Although all freshwater fish can be caught for free June 5-6, those wishing to fish salmon require a licence. Bag limits and other sport fishing regulations are in effect and will be enforced.

Stressing the importance of conservation, the minister noted that the public plays a key role in helping the department protect and enhance the resource.

The minister also pointed out how important sport fishing is to the economy of the province: it generates about $82 million a year, mainly in rural communities.

arc May 28 1999 4:32 p.m.