The 2011 angling season opens today with measures to increase fish stocks and attract more anglers to the sport, says Environment, Energy and Forestry Minister Richard Brown.

“Prince Edward Island has some of the best trout fishing in Atlantic Canada and I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to escape the stresses of everyday life in a relaxed environment,” said Minister Brown. “Fishing is also a fun and inexpensive way for families to spend time together and reconnect with nature.”

A family fishing license allows the entire family to fish for five days at a cost of $5 plus $5 for the Wildlife Conservation Fund. This licence is available after May 1. No license is required to fish over the free family-fishing weekend, during the Victoria Day weekend, May 20-23. Youth under the age of 16 are not required to have a trout license.

This year, the province will invest $65,000 in fish stocks for the Cardigan Fish Hatchery. Island rivers and streams will be restocked with more than 21,000 brook trout and as many as 15,000 Atlantic salmon. Brook trout were stocked in a number of rivers including Morell, Mill, Trout (Coleman), Montrose, Wilmot, Dunk, West, and Brudenell.

The number of anglers has been dropping for many years and in an effort to bring people back to the sport, the department is asking anglers to provide ideas on how to improve the sport fishery. Suggestions can be sent to anglingideas@gov.pe.ca.

The department is also introducing the province’s newcomers to recreational fishing with presentations held at Holland College, Study Abroad and the PEI Newcomer’s Association. “Many newcomers to Prince Edward Island are very interested in fishing, but don’t know where to go or what to fish,” said Minister Brown. “I encourage seasoned anglers to lend a hand if they can and introduce newcomers to fishing.”

Angling licences for the 2011 season are $10 and are available at retail outlets across the Island, Access PEI, or online at www.gov.pe.ca/eef/licence Licenced anglers must also purchase a Wildlife Conservation Fund Licence that costs $13 for seniors and $20 for other adults. The 2011 Angling Summary is available online at www.gov.pe.ca/go/fishing