A DAY ON THE LAKE WITH DAD
No licence needed on fishing weekend
It’s Father’s Day again, a time for celebrating not just dads but families as a whole. There is also something else to celebrate this weekend that many people may not know about — it is B.C.’s Family Fishing Weekend.
This is an event for friends and family, held the third weekend each June, that encourages people to try fishing in a safe and fun environment. The provincial and federal government waive the need for anglers to buy or carry a fishing licence, so any Canadian can try angling in B.C. within the rules.
So, is it a coincidence the two events are on the same weekend? For those of a certain generation, the answer is a resounding no.
Many of us in B.C. grew up with fishing. Whether it was visiting hatcheries, going fishing with friends and family or cooking our catch together, it was an important part of our lives throughout the different seasons of the year. Those were fun times, and a big part of the relationships many of us developed. It was much more than just catching fish — it was more about the time together, the stories and experiences shared, the traditions created.
It was also about the important lessons learned. A focus on conservation, for example, and respect for natural resources — all are a vital part of family fishing. Fathers get to pass on to their children these and other important lessons, both by what they say and what they do. They become ingrained in kids even before they know they are learning them. That starts them on their way to being stewards of our natural resources when they grow up, which is important regardless of whether they continue fishing or not.
Those benefits continue at the community level as well, and that builds better communities. Last year, for example, the B.C. Family Fishing Weekend attracted 14,000 people to 49 events in communities across the province. The Learn to Fish program developed by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. is another successful and popular program. Since 2006, it has helped 180,000 youth and families to fish responsibly.
Now some may say that is great — but what about the impacts on the fish, in particular our wild Pacific salmon?
Well, recreational fishing in tidal waters catches only 10 per cent of the annual salmon harvest and 15 per cent of the annual halibut harvest. At the same time, sport fishing generates nearly $1 billion annually, which accounts for 49 per cent of GDP and 60 per cent of all jobs created from all fisheries.
The Pacific Salmon Foundation’s community salmon program has helped make things better for wild Pacific salmon and their habitat. Over $16 million has been provided to stream-keeper and community groups, paid for by the Salmon Conservation Stamp. Those groups have turned that into a $100-million investment through community donations and personal labour — all to support wild Pacific salmon conservation and habitat enhancement. Now that’s an example of community commitment.
So quite a rosy, heartwarming story, right? Fathers and families, fishing together, growing together, helping the fish and the environment.
Well, unfortunately, all of this is at risk, and it has to do with generational change.
Statistics show that fewer and fewer young people are trying or taking up fishing as an activity. Without that new blood, we could lose much of what we have talked about — not just the fishing part, but the values, tradition and knowledge about conservation and resource protection that go along with it.
There are lots of good people out there, but if we don’t recruit the younger ones to join us, we will eventually lose. So, this Father’s Day, think about taking the family fishing — not just for the fish, but for the experience your family will gain and the benefits that will pass on to your community and all communities in B.C. When it comes to protecting our wild B.C. salmon, we really are all in this together.
Statistics show that fewer and fewer young people are trying or taking up fishing as an activity. … There are lots of good people out there, but if we don’t recruit the younger ones to join us, we will eventually lose. Brian Riddell and Owen Bird