An initiative that started 13 years ago, as a way to encourage more families to enjoy the sport of fishing, continues June 15 to 17 with the Family Fishing Weekend. The weekend spans Father’s Day and provides a tempting way of spending time out in the wilds with dad. Events to celebrate the weekend are taking place around the province on fresh and salt water. Here in Powell River the conservation officer service has joined with Powell River Outdoors (PRO) for the fifth year to hold a day full of activities at Inland Lake. “The first 20 kids who attend receive a free fishing rod and tackle,” said Sam Sansalone, owner of PRO. Sansalone organizes the fishing event for this area which takes place on Sunday, June 17. A & W Restaurant will provide burgers for the barbecue and there will be children’s activities, games and many prizes. Even though it is Father’s Day, moms are welcome to attend too, said Sansalone. “We just want to get as many people out as possible, get off the screen and into the green. The conservation officers will be there. You can ask them any outdoor questions and they will answer them all.” Joining with the local conservation officers provides the opportunity to educate people about the region’s natural resources as well as ensure everyone enjoys the activities safely. Conservation Officer Andrew Anaka, and his colleagues depending upon availability, will be in attendance at the event. “We are going to have a bit of a presentation with some wildlife parts—skulls and hides—and things to look at,” he said. “We’ll be available to offer whatever assistance we can and answer questions.” BC’s Family Fishing Weekend is provided free, compliments of the ministry of forests, lands and natural resource operations and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Support for the weekend has also come from Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and Walmart Canada. At all other times a fishing permit is required for anyone aged 16 or older. “Angling without a licence is an offence under the Wildlife Act,” said Anaka. A violation ticket can involve a fine of $115 and often results in seizure of fishing equipment and gear. “These events offer a great opportunity to learn how to fish and share an appreciation for the pastime and aquatic resources in a fun and supervised environment,” said Owen Bird, executive director of the Family Fishing Society of BC, in a press release. Certain regulations still apply to fishing both fresh and salt water over the weekend and for more information readers can visit www.gofishbc.com or www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca. Activities at Inland Lake take place from 10 am to 2 pm. People are welcome to call Sansalone at PRO 604.485.2555, Ext. 2, if they have questions about the event or wish to borrow fishing gear. “Learning to fish is probably the number one best therapy in the world,” said Sansalone. “When you are out fishing you don’t think of anything, you just enjoy yourself. Also if you talk to your doctor, fish is the best thing you can eat.” “Everything up there is free—free food, free fishing, no licences, free entertainment,” said Anaka. “Just come up.”
