Sportfishing Season Opens April 1

Nova Scotia anglers will soon head out to rivers and lakes when sportfishing season opens on Sunday, April 1, and anglers are asked to familiarize themselves with new and changed regulations.

"Sportfishing is an outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by people of any age, and brings economic benefits to the province," said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Ron Chisholm today, March 22. "We have supported anglers by providing even more fishing opportunities."

More than 100,000 anglers enjoy fishing throughout the year, participating in free fishing weekends and other activities like fishing derbies.

Regulation changes have been developed through the six recreational fisheries advisory councils, in co-operation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources.

"These changes include new trout management areas as well as season changes and size limits, which are designed to conserve and enhance Nova Scotia's sport fishery," said Mr. Chisholm.

Anglers are encouraged to participate in the annual sportfishing weekend on June 2 and 3.

"This weekend allows resident and non-residents to fish without a general fishing licence," said Mr. Chisholm. "It is a great opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation."

An additional free sportfishing weekend was created this year to allow anglers to experience winter sportfishing opportunities. The next one will be held Feb. 16 and 17, 2008.

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture also sells one-day licences. More than 700 one-day licence were sold in 2006. "The one-day licence has provided additional opportunities for anglers who want to fish without purchasing a seasonal licence," said Mr. Chisholm.

The Nova Scotia Sportfish Fund, which is funded from a portion of most fishing licence fees, provides money for restoration and protection of fish habitat. Last year, anglers contributed $244,000 to the fund, which allowed 20 community groups to work on 36 watercourses in Nova Scotia. About 160,000 square meters of fish habitat were restored and more than 10,000 trees were planted along streams.

The new regulations and changes to regulations are included in the 2007 Angler's Handbook and Summary of Regulations, which accompanies each fishing licence. There is no increase in licence fees this season. Seniors' fishing licences are available at $5.70 (tax included), a general licence for the season costs $23.92 (tax included) for residents of Nova Scotia and $54.26 for non-residents. Non-residents also have the option to purchase a seven-day licence for $29.98.

All anglers 16 years of age or older must purchase a general fishing licence. Licences are valid from the date of issue until March 31, 2008. Anglers who plan to fish during the winter portion of the season should keep their licence and return the stub at the end of the season. It is mandatory to return licence stubs after the last fishing trip of the season.

Anglers will once again have the opportunity to register larger catches in the Nova Scotia Fish Registry.

"This database of large and record-sized fish caught in the province is an exciting way to generate interest in sportfishing," said Mr. Chisholm. "Several new record fish were entered last year, and we hope anglers will continue to take advantage of the registry."

Anglers are invited to submit fish in the catch and release, catch and keep, and youth categories.

Information on angling and a list of special regulations by recreational fishing area can be found on the Fisheries and Aquaculture website at www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/sportfishing .