Tri-City youngsters can learn how to fish during spring break, thanks to the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.
The group is celebrating the start of the spring fishing season on the Lower Mainland by offering Learn to Fish classes to aspiring anglers and stocking local lakes with "catchable" rainbow trout.
"The weather is warming up and with spring break on the horizon, we're busy getting lakes in North Vancouver, Coquitlam and Surrey ready for another great fishing season," said outreach assistant Tanya Laird in a press release.
This week, the group was expected to release rainbow trout into Lafarge Lake and Como Lake in Coquitlam in advance of several Learn to Fish classes planned for spring break.
Space is still available in the Lafarge Lake class on Friday, March 23 from 10 until noon. Pre-registration is required, but all necessary gear is provided and participation is by donation. Those interested should contact 604-927-4386 or visit www.coquitlam.ca to register online.
"The first Learn to Fish classes of the season are always exciting and filled with youngsters anxious to get outside and hone their fishing skills," said Laird. "Spring break is upon us and parents looking for an outdoor activity with their kids should take advantage of the spaces left in our first class of the year. We will also be offering more opportunities for people to learn basic fishing skills and fish biology as the spring progresses."
Over the coming months, FFSBC staff will be improving local freshwater fishing opportunities across the Lower Mainland by stocking local lakes, offering Learn to Fish classes, supporting fishing groups that host community fishing events and improving fishing infrastructure. Through its Fishing in the City Program, the FFSBC and its partners develop fisheries in more urban settings, provide enhanced signage and at-the-lake fishing ambassadors at selected lakes in the Lower Mainland. The FFSBC's popular Fishing Buddies Program promotes one-on-one fishing mentorship. More information including detailed fishing tips and current lake-stocking updates are available at www.gofishbc.com.
The FFSBC is a not-for-profit organization funded directly by anglers through freshwater fishing licence revenues. It provides stocking programs that support 50 per cent of all fishing in B.C. lakes, conservation fish culture services for sturgeon recovery efforts and programs to enhance access to fishing for all British Columbians. Through these programs, the FFSBC is working to ensure B.C. has the best freshwater fishing in North America. A 2009 economic analysis found that freshwater fishing in B.C. generates $480 million in economic activity, supports more than 1,000 businesses and creates 7,500 jobs.
For more information visit the FFSBC's website at www.gofishbc.com.
