2008 Sportfishing Season Opens April 1
Anglers will soon be heading out to fish for a new season on Nova Scotia lakes and rivers when the sportfishing season begins on Tuesday, April 1.
"Sportfishing is a great outdoor activity that people of all ages can enjoy," said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Ron Chisholm. "We continue to support anglers by offering various fishing opportunities, which in turn provides important economic benefits to the province."
More than 100,000 anglers enjoy fishing each year, participating in licence-free weekends, fishing derbies, learn-to-fish programs for children and the Becoming An Outdoor Woman program. This year's spring sportfishing weekend will be June 7 and 8.
"This weekend allows resident and non-residents to fish for free, without a general fishing licence," said Mr. Chisholm. "It is a great opportunity to try your hand at sportfishing and see what it has to offer."
Regulation changes, such as season dates and size limits, have been developed through the six recreational fisheries advisory councils, in co-operation with the Department of Natural Resources and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
"These management measures are designed to conserve and enhance our sport fishery and I encourage everyone to become familiar with the fishing regulations," said Mr. Chisholm.
The 2008 Angler's Handbook and Summary of Regulations includes all regulation changes. Licence prices will increase this year. Seniors' fishing licences cost $6.03, a general licence is $25.32 for Nova Scotia residents and $57.45 for non-residents. Non-residents have the option to purchase a seven-day licence for $31.74. One-day licences costs $12.46. All prices include tax.
All anglers 16 years of age or older must purchase a general fishing licence, which is valid until March 31, 2009. It is mandatory to return licence stubs after the last fishing trip of the season.
The Nova Scotia Sportfish Fund, which is supported by a portion of licence fees, last year contributed $245,500 to 20 community groups for habitat restoration and protection on Nova Scotia watercourses. The projects included restoring fish habitat, planting trees along streams and protecting stream habitat with livestock fencing and bank stabilization.
Anglers can register larger catches in the Nova Scotia Fish Registry. In 2007, seven new record fish were entered. Anglers are invited to submit fish in the catch and release, catch and keep, and youth categories.
More information is available on the department website at www.gov.ns.ca/fish/sportfishing .