Have fun, win great prizes and learn about fish, fishing and the great outdoors at one of near 50 Family Fishing Weekend Events being held in BC communities June 19-21

The general public has the opportunity to try out fishing for free on June 19th to 21st (Photo: Erin Lee).

A day at or near the waters edge with rod and reel and no need to purchase a fishing licence is part of a plan to get more British Columbians hooked on the art and fun of angling.

B.C.’s Family Fishing Weekend is an annual opportunity for families to enjoy the sport of fishing in the province’s tens of thousands of lakes and non-tidal streams with a free three-day licence, compliments of the BC Government.

The 10th annual Family Fishing Weekend, June 19-21 this year, taking place across the province in nearly 50 different locales, including many in the lower mainland and on Vancouver Island, celebrates the sport of fishing, fish, their habitat and the outdoor beauty of the province.

British Columbia offers some of the finest fishing opportunities in the world and Family Fishing Weekend has introduced many people to the sport and the environment in which it takes place. Communities and volunteers make each event happen with help from a variety of business and government organizations. The Family Fishing Society of BC helps to coordinate the events and maintains the website.

Those who would rather try their hand in tidal waters are reminded that there is no charge for a saltwater sport fishing licence for those under 16, and one-day licences are available for residents 16 and older at a charge of only $5.57

Sports anglers contribute nearly $1.2 billion annually to British Columbia’s economy.

Throughout the province, many communities will be holding events where people can learn the rules of fishing and see what’s being done to preserve, enhance and create fish habitat. Prizes, including an all expense paid trip for two to one of Langara Fishing Adventures resorts, are offered at each of the events.

BC's Family Fishing Weekend is a celebration (2009 is the 10th annual!) of the great sport of fishing and getting outdoors. Each event is organized by interested groups in each community with help from the Family Fishing Society of BC. As well as encouraging youngsters to come out and fish the events are an excellent opportunity to share the importance of fish and their fragile habitat. The goals of the Society and of the event are to increase angler participation, promote BC’s world-class freshwater and tidal (saltwater) sport fishery plus develop greater public respect for our outdoor resources.

Fish on! Hatchery manager Dale Larson helps youngsters land their first trout (Photo: Rodney Hsu).

The program offers two great opportunities to the public:

Try Fishing for Free: British Columbians are invited to try fishing on June 19-21, 2009, Father’s Day Weekend, anywhere in the province or get reacquainted with a great sport. Freshwater fishing is FREE during the Family Fishing Weekend (June 19, 20 and 21, 2009 only) in many of the province’s lakes and non-tidal streams. BC residents can try angling within the rules and do not need to buy or carry a freshwater fishing license. The BC Government offers a complimentary 3-day basic freshwater licence valid only for June 19, 20 and 21, 2009. Fisheries and Oceans Canada also encourages BC residents to try their hand at tidal (saltwater) fishing with a purchased tidal water fishing licence (this license is also free to those under 16)

Special Community Fishing Events: During the Father’s Day weekend, BC residents can have fun by attending our popular community fishing events around the province. These events are FREE to attend and help people, particularly kids, learn about fishing, fish and conservation in a fun and relaxed environment. Expert volunteers on site help take the mystery out of the “how to” of fishing. Time and materials are provided by volunteers and companies that recognize the value of introducing young people and families to fishing and the outdoors. As mentioned, all the events are free and offer great opportunities to fish with loaner equipment or give-aways. For a complete list of the community fishing events visit the website's events pages.

Annually this program attracts an estimated 25,000 people who go fishing during the Family Fishing Weekend around BC and approximately 13,000 people visit our many popular community fishing events. Over the years, BC’s Family Fishing Weekend has developed into a well liked and much anticipated annual event. Be sure to visit our website for lots of helpful information and a free contest where you can win great prizes!

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