Sportfishing Season Opens April 1

Anglers will once again enjoy one of the province's favourite pastimes when the annual sportfishing season opens Friday, April 1.

"Sportfishing is a popular recreational activity that families can enjoy together. There are many opportunities for anglers of all ages and skill levels to take to our waterways and participate in this healthy outdoor activity throughout the year," said Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Mr. Belliveau encouraged all anglers to familiarize themselves with the new regulations for the 2011 season. These changes include new management measures, season changes and bag limits that will conserve and enhance Nova Scotia's sport fishery.

More than 100,000 anglers enjoy fishing every year by taking part in free fishing weekends each winter and summer, fishing derbies and tournaments, the Learn to Fish program for youth and outdoor skill programs like Families United with Nature and Becoming An Outdoors-Woman.

Anglers can enter their favourite fishing photos in the 2011 Fishin' Nova Scotia Photo Contest and school-aged children will have a chance to participate in the Nova Scotia Kids Fish Art Contest. Lucky winners will have their art and photos featured in next year's regulations booklet.

Mr. Belliveau said the art and photography contests are popular and an exciting way to generate interest in sportfishing.

Licence fees, taxes included, are $26.73 for the season for residents of Nova Scotia and $61.73 for non residents. Non residents also have the option to purchase a seven day licence for $33.72. Seniors' fishing licences are available for $6.57. One day licences are available to resident and non resident anglers for $12.71. All anglers age 16 or older must purchase a general fishing licence.

Licences are valid until March 31, 2012. Anglers are required to return the licence stub at the end of the season. Those who return their licence stub can win a prize at the end of the season.

Licences can be purchased from many gas retailers, hardware, convenience and sporting good stores or at any Access Nova Scotia location.

New and revised regulations are included in the 2011 Angler's Handbook and Summary of Regulations, which accompanies each fishing licence.

More 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/fish/sportfishing .