Sport fishing Weekend Planned June 3-4

Anglers are hoping you get hooked on fishing after you try it during the 6th Annual Sportfishing Weekend, June 3 and 4.

This sport fishing event is a partnered effort of the Nova Scotia Salmon Association and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

"The purpose of the weekend is to have fun with fishing," said Ernest Fage, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "I've been fishing for over 35 years and enjoy it every time. It is something you can start at a very early age and continue throughout your life."

There are 18 planned fishing events across the province. However, people may also choose a private fishing hole of their own. During this weekend Nova Scotians do not require a fishing licence unless fishing for salmon.

Econo Colour will provide cameras and photo finishing to the fishing event planners in anticipation of the great photo opportunities over the weekend. Anglers who do not participate in planned derbies are also encouraged to send in their best sportfishing photo. The best three photos, to be judged later in the month, will be eligible for some great prizes, including a camera and fishing gear.

"The sport fishing weekend offers people who do not regularly fish the chance to go without having to purchase a licence," said George Ferguson, president of the Nova Scotia Salmon Association. "We hope that once people try it they will get hooked and join the other 100,000 anglers in the province."

Sport fishing in Nova Scotia is an $82-million industry. Thousands of anglers visit our province's lakes and rivers annually to fish. It has proven to be a great niche in the tourism industry.

"Where stocks are healthy, we encourage people to go fishing, in cases were fish stocks are less than ideal, we strongly recommend catch and release," said Mr. Ferguson. "This makes the photo contest even more popular. Now you can prove you caught the fish before you release it."

While trout is a species of fish people are encouraged to release, there are other healthy stocks such as white and yellow perch, pickerel and bass.

"You'll never know what your missing until you get out and try it," said Mr. Fage. "There is something to be said about spending the day on the river. "

For more information on the 6th Annual Sportfishing Weekend please view the website at www.gov.ns.ca/fish or call the inland fisheries division at 902-485-5056.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Following are the event locations for the 6th Annual Sportfishing Weekend.

JUNE 3
Region of Queens Municipality 1st Christopher Lake Hibernia Road, Caledonia, Queens County

Italy Cross, Middlewood & District Fire Department Wallace Lake Italy Cross, Lunenburg County

Springfield & District Fire Department Springfield Lake Springfield, Annapolis County

Dinatours/Parrsboro Fishing Association Parrsboro Aboiteau Village of Parrsboro, Cumberland County

Sheet Harbour Search & Rescue Marshall Flowage North of Sheet Harbour on East River Sheet Harbour Rd. Halifax County

Halifax Wildlife Association Cunard Pond Spryfield, Halifax County

Westchester Fire Department Issic Lake Westchester Mountain, Cumberland County

Blue Mountain Fire Department Eden Lake Hwy 347 between New Glasgow & Aspen, Pictou County

West Pictou Cat & Coon Club Hedgeville Pond Hedgeville, Pictou County

Woodens River Watershed Outflow pond of Stillwater Lake Upper Tantallon, Halifax County

Forest Heights Community School Henry Lake Chester Grant, Lunenburg County

Striped Bass Fishing Derby Anthony Park Noel Shore, Hants County

Sunday, June 4 Wileville Fire Department Wile's Lake Wileville, Lunenburg County

June 3 and 4:

Uniacke Heritage Society Murphy Lake Mount Uniacke, Hants County

Dominion-Reserve Gardiner Kinsmen Club Fisherman's Park River Ryan Bridge on Rte. 28 near New Waterford Cape Breton County