Sportfishing Season Opens

Anglers are preparing their hooks, lines, and fabled stories about their catches as the sportfishing season opens on lakes and rivers in most areas of the province on Wednesday, April 1.

"Sportfishing is an activity enjoyed by people of all ages, and brings significant economic benefits to Nova Scotia, as well as some entertaining stories," said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Ron Chisholm. "More fishing opportunities are available this year, and we ask anglers to familiarize themselves with the new regulations for the 2009 season."

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. New regulations, and changes to regulations, are included in the 2009 Angler's Handbook, which accompanies each fishing licence.

"These changes, including new management measures, season length and size limits, are designed to conserve and enhance Nova Scotia's sport fishery," said Mr. Chisholm.

Last year, more than 100,000 people participated in angling, including activities such as licence-free weekends, fishing derbies, and programs such as Learn 2 Fish (L2F) and Becoming an Outdoor Woman (BOW). This season, licence-free weekends are on June 6 and 7 and Feb. 20 and 21.

All anglers 16 years of age or older must purchase a fishing licence. The province offers seasonal licences for residents and non-residents and discounted licences for seniors. Seasonal licences are valid from the date of issue until March 31, 2010. Anglers who plan to fish during the winter 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 also have the options of seven-day licences, which are available to non-residents, and one-day licences which are available for residents and non-residents. More than 800 one-day licences were sold in 2008.

Fees this year, taxes included, are $25.10 for residents, $57.84 for non-residents and $6.15 for seniors. One-day licences are $12.70 and seven-day licences, for non-residents, are $31.63.

A portion of fishing licence fees will help support the Nova Scotia Sportfish Habitat Fund. The fund provides money for restoration and protection of fish habitat as well as public access to the fishery.

Information on angling and a list of special regulations by recreational fishing area is available on the Fisheries and Aquaculture website at www.gov.ns.ca/fish/sportfishing .