Nova Scotia Sportfishing Weekend June 6-7

Anyone with a hook, a line and a little hope can fish without a licence in Nova Scotia during the 15th annual sportfishing weekend June 6-7.

"Fishing creates a strong connection with nature, teaching future stewards about the importance of our natural resources as they participate in a great outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by a range of ages and fitness levels," said Murray Hill, director of inland fisheries, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "It is an inexpensive, easily accessible outdoor activity that can foster strong family and social relationships."

The sportfishing weekend is set aside every spring to allow residents and non-residents to fish for most species without a general sportfishing licence. All bag limits and fishing regulations apply.

Licence requirements and regulations apply for fishing Atlantic salmon.

A second free fishing weekend will be held during the winter season on Feb. 20-21.

Sportfishing is one of the most-popular active outdoor sports in Nova Scotia. Worth about $92 million a year to the province's economy, close to 100,000 Nova Scotians sportfish each year and thousands more visit the province to fish.

For more information visit www.gov.ns.ca/fish/sportfishing/, or call 902-485-5056.