Sports: Fishing
[ Background | Equipment | Where ]
Background of the Sport
 This sport began as a way of catching food, and though it has become a sport, and it's one where you eat what you win (except for "catch & release" fishing)! The concept behind fishing is that you attach either bait or a lure to a line attached to a fishing rod, and the fish will eventually (hopefully) think its food, swallow the bait, get hooked, and you get to reel the fish in. Fishing is a relaxing sport (and requires or teaches patience), helps you to unwind, and you can enjoy your natural surroundings--at least until a fish bites.
Fishing can be done from shore, from a pier, or from a boat. The choice will depend on where you are and what kind of fish you are seeking. Once you have picked a sport, you need to select your tackle, either using bait on a hook or a lure. After attaching it to your line, you need to place the bait where you think the fish are. This is called casting, and is done by extending the line a bit and flicking the rod behind you and then forward to use inertia to get the tackle far out into the water. You then reel in the tackle, trying to mimic the movements of the animal your bait is trying to mimic.
Another popular variant on fishing is ice fishing, where you fish through a hole in the ice (often protected by a heated hut or a tent). This usually uses a shorter rod, and is popular in many parts of the country where longer winters create thick ice giving access to deepwater fishing spots to all.
It is considered sportsmanlike practice to keep only those fish you plan to eat. Return the rest for others to catch. Please respect the environment, by not littering, and by not being overly noisy. You should also make sure you comply with provincial regulations regarding fishing seasons, required permits (more on this later)
Equipment
 In order to go fishing you need a rod & reel and some basic tackle. There are several kinds of rod & reel for either spincasting (best for beginners) or for fly fishing. You can buy these separately, or in combination. You need to select your line to suit your fish and your rod & reel, though today monofilament made of a single strand of plastic is most prevalent. The "terminal tackle" at the fish catching end of the line may include any of a number of elements: the hook for bait or a lure, a snap swivel (particularly when using spinning lures), a sinker (to hold the hook down), a bobber (to keep it up, say above weeds). You will also need a tackle box, needlenose pliers, nail clippers, a bucket, a net (for landing the caught fish), and optionally a camera.
The choice of bait or lures depends on what you're fishing for, the time of year, your fishing philosophy, and sometimes local rules. Typical live bait includes earthworms, minnows and assorted garden "crawlers." Lures tend to be more expensive, but present several advantages: they are durable, you can pre-pack a variety to suit any fishing excursion and they are heavier making it easier to cast in windy conditions. Some of the accessories to help make your fishing trip safer and more fun include: hats (for shade), sunscreen, insect repellent, life jackets (absolutely when fishing from a boat, but also for kids along the shore), a first aid kit, and waterproof boots or waders.
Saskatchewan Fishing Rules
In Saskatchewan you can fish with any of: hook & line, bow & arrow, or underwater spear (note: the bow & arrow is deemed to be a firearm and cannot be used or possessed in a provincial or regional park or recreation area).
Angling licences can be bought from authorized vendors across the province.
Permits must be carried at all times when angling, and must be produced for a conservation or RCMP officer.
Those under age 16 and native Indians do not require a fishing licence.
You can now order these licences online.
Saskatchewan Angling Licences are NOT VALID in national parks.
Saskatchewan Residents | 3 day $12, annual $25, senior annual $10.70
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Canadian Residents | 3 day $20, annual $40
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Non-Residents | 3 day $25, annual $50
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Licences need a Lac La Ronge endorsement, at no extra cost, if you are fishing on that lake.
National Parks
Licences for fishing in our National Parks can be purchased at park information centres, administration, campgrounds, wardens offices and some fishing shops. The cost is $13 per year, or $6 for a seven day permit for all persons.
Where
The rivers, lakes and ponds that surround Fredericton boast a variety of fish. Non-resident anglers require a licensed guide when fishing for sea-run Atlantic salmon or when angling for any species on Designated Salmon Waters. Anglers will find Atlantic Salmon, Landlocked Salmon, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, Sturgeon, and Trout.
The following lakes and rivers are favourite fishing spots: Harvey Lake, Killarney Lake, Lake George, Grand Lake, Mactaquac Headpond, Magaguadavic Lake, Oromocto Lake, Nashwaak River, Oromocto River, St. John River. (Some restrictions may apply.)
For complete information, contact the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy, Fish and Wildlife Branch, Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre, 1350 Regent Street, (506)453-2440 - Mon. to Fri., 8:15 am to 4:30 pm, or the Ranger office, located in the Ancillary Building behind the Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre, 1350 Regent Street. (506)453-2345 - Mon. to Fri., 8 am to 5 pm.
Non-resident fishing licences can be bought from: Chickadee Lodge, 20 Lodge Lane, Prince William, NB, (506)363-2759; Kelly's Lodge, 352 Mazerolle Settlement Rd., Upper Kingsclear, NB, (506)363-5214. Additional information : 1-800-561-0123 or the Fredericton Fish and Game Association Frank Wilson, (506) 474-0458
Pond Fishing
The Fredericton area is also home to some beautiful pond fishing establishments.
Your license and equipment are provided as part of the fee. Enjoy.
- Oakland Farm & Lodge, 65 Oakland Farm Lane, New Maryland, NB, (506)459-5422.
- D&D Farms, 158 Sunbury Drive, Fredericton Junction, NB, (506)368-1116.
- Randall Fish Farm & Hatchery, 2087 Rte. 102 Hwy, Gagetown, NB, (506)488-3234.
- Fishing Guides On the Fly Guide Services (506)457-9384.
Fishing Related Attractions
Atlantic Salmon Museum, Doaktown, NB, (506)365-7787 - (June 1-Oct 15).
Mactaquac Fish Culture Station, French Village, NB, (506)363-3021 - (year round).
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