Sportfishing season opens Friday

The sector currently generates about $85 million annually

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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Soon Nova Scotians will be able to grab their poles and head out to their favourite secret fishing spots.

Sportfishing season opens Friday, April 1st.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Steve Craig says more Nova Scotians are enjoying the outdoor activity than ever before.

“Sportfishing also supports jobs and economic activity in our rural communities and is important to our tourism industries,” he stated in a news release.

“I remind anglers to think ‘safety first’ when enjoying time on the water. Please use appropriate catch and release techniques and limit harvests so this valuable sport remains sustainable.”

The sector currently generates about $85 million annually.

More than 78,000 licences were bought last year.

You can get yours at a local vendor or a Department of Natural Resources office.

Each one comes with a copy of the Anglers’ Handbook and 2022 Summary of Regulations, which can also be found online.

“We encourage all sportfishers to practice sound conservation methods such as catch and release and, if you have a chance, please take a kid fishing,” added the president of the Nova Scotia Salmon Association, Brent Locke.”

“Teaching a child to fish encourages an appreciation for nature, promotes a healthy lifestyle and teaches patience.”