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Fishing in BC
Camping and RVing BC Coalition
British Columbia is home to 20,000 lakes that stretch over 750,000 km. With many tucked away in the wilderness or up high in the mountains, it's very likely you'll end up camping next to water. These lakes and rivers not only provide water and food but also a habitat for fish. Why not take advantage of the fishing available for anglers? Camping and RVing BC Coalition gives you five reasons why you should – with tips so you have no excuses not to.
It’s inexpensive
An annual fishing licence for B.C. residents’ costs $36. Purchase your annual licence on April 1, and you get 365 days of fishing before it expires on March 31 the following year. What else can you do for less than 10 cents per day? And kids under the age of 16 fish for free.
Don’t have gear? Borrow a rod and tackle for free at locations throughout the province, including Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC hatcheries and select tourist visitor centres.
Learn a new skill
Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned angler, the Freshwater Fisheries Society’s YouTube channel has you covered. Learn the basics, like how to cast with a spincasting reel, or pick up some new tips from fishing expert Brian Chan.
Kids never tried fishing? Take them to a Learn to Fish program. Check out the Events calendar to find a program offered in provincial, regional or municipal park near you this spring or summer or book a program through one of their hatchery visitor centres.
Experience the outdoors
Kids aren’t into hiking and are tired of riding their bikes up and down the campsite? Strap the lifejackets on and pile them into a boat or find a good shore fishing location. If you don’t have a boat, try casting a line from one of the growing list of lakes in the province with a fishing dock. (Use the Dock filter on this Where to Fish map to find a lake near you). Watch insects hatch and enjoy the call of a loon – and if you’re lucky you’ll get to feel the tug of a fish on the end of your line and reel in a trout.
Connect with family and friends
Put the laptops and phones away. Water and devices don’t mix, so you’ll get uninterrupted time to catch up. If you need to use your phone, use the camera and take an awesome photo of a happy angler in action!
You can catch your own food
Fish are nutritious and delicious. Share a meal of your freshly caught trout or kokanee at the dinner table, along with the story of how you caught it.
To ensure our freshwater fish stocks remain abundant, follow the regulations and observe the catch quotas.
Original article published here.
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