VICTORIA - Have fun, win great prizes and fish for free at a local Family Fishing event in BC this Fathers' Day Weekend, June 17-19. The Family Fishing Society of BC and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC are inviting everyone to come out rain or shine and enjoy a day at the lake with a free fishing licence as part of our plan to get more British Columbians hooked on fishing.
 
BC's Family Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity to attend an organized community event, or create your own family fishing adventure at one the province's thousands of lakes with a free three-day licence, compliments of the BC Government. It is also a perfect opportunity to become a Fishing Buddy and pledge to introduce at least one friend to fishing this year. Both the Family Fishing Weekend and the Fishing Buddies Program share the goal of encouraging British Columbians to enjoy our province's world class sport fishing opportunities.

This year, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is also offering free saltwater fishing licenses. For details please consult the department's website.
 
"For many BC families, Family Fishing Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer," said Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson. "A free weekend of fishing is a great way to encourage families to get out and enjoy sport fishing in lakes and rivers across British Columbia." More information on freshwater fishing opportunities throughout BC can be found at www.gofishbc.com

Family Fishing Weekend is also a great opportunity to take advantage of the warm weather and combine fishing adventures with a weekend of camping. There are many easily accessible, public and private campsites in close proximity to fishing destinations across BC. More information on camping destinations can be found at www.gofishbc.com.

The 12th annual and Bill Otway Memorial Family Fishing Weekend, June 17-19 is celebrated with free fishing across the province, at 47 separate organized events province wide. "These events offer a great opportunity to learn how to fish and provide lots of useful educational information in a fun and supervised environment," said Executive Director of the Family Fishing Society of BC, Owen Bird. "The hundreds of volunteers who organize and participate in these events are passionate about fishing and even more passionate about passing on their love of the sport. They really are the heart of Family Fishing Weekend."

British Columbia offers some of the finest fishing opportunities in the world and the Family Fishing Weekend has introduced thousands of people to the sport. Communities and volunteers make each event happen with help from a variety of business and government organizations. The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC provide financial support while the Family Fishing Society of BC coordinates the events and maintains the website, www.bcfamilyfishing.com.

A complete list of the 47 participating communities' province-wide with locations and event descriptions along with step-by-step fishing instructions and printable complimentary 3-day licences can be found at www.bcfamilyfishing.com.

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Contact: Owen Bird
Executive Director
Family Fishing Weekend
(604) 875-0104 info@bcfamilyfishing.com

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