To encourage more Islanders to take up the sport of fishing, families can fish for free, without a licence, during the long weekend in May, says Environment, Energy and Forestry Minister Richard Brown.

“Fishing is an inexpensive, fun way for families to spend time together in Prince Edward Island’s natural environment,” said Minister Brown. “The free family fishing weekend was created to encourage more families to explore this traditional Island pastime. All you need is a fishing rod and bait to enjoy this outdoor sport.”

Prince Edward Island waterways are among the most productive in Canada with species such as Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout and brook trout. The province invested $65,000 this year in fish stocks for the Cardigan Fish Hatchery to build healthy fish stocks in Island streams and rivers.

The department’s web site, www.gov.pe.ca/eef/fishing, contains a list of fishing locations across the province as well as links to the 2011 Angling Summary that offers up-to-date information on fishing regulations, locations and restrictions.

“Accessing some fishing sites can be difficult if they are located on private land,” said Minister Brown. “We encourage people to use the roads and trails located on public land to access many excellent fishing spots.”

An online version of the Public Land Atlas to find public lands near fishing sites is available at www.gov.pe.ca/gis.

For families who want to fish beyond the long weekend in May, a family fishing licence is available. It allows families to fish for five days anytime during the season for a cost of $5 plus a $5 Wildlife Conservation Fund Licence.

Many watershed and wildlife groups sponsor similar family fishing events to encourage more involvement in angling, watershed management and wildlife conservation programs.