A program designed to promote sport fishing in the Cariboo has recently been created.
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C., the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Tourism B.C., and the Angler’s Atlas have joined forces to create the Go Fish BC! Rod Loan program.
“British Columbia has some of the best fishing and this program enables anyone in the Williams Lake area, caught without a fishing rod handy, to try out one of our favorite pastimes,” says Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Minister Pat Bell. “The Go Fish BC! Rod Loan program is an example of creative collaboration among agencies passionate about what they do and resulting in great outdoor experiences.”
The Go Fish BC! Rod Loan program is expected to address a problem faced by many vacationing anglers who do not travel with fishing equipment and local residents who do not own their own equipment.
Under this program, anglers can make one stop at the Williams Lake Visitor Centre where they can purchase a freshwater fishing licence, borrow a rod, reel and tackle box, get the latest information on local fishing hot spots and then try their luck with a day at the lake.
“Over the past decade we’ve been steadily reducing the barriers to sport fishing,” said FFSBC president Don Peterson. “We’re stocking lakes, we’re improving fishing opportunities, we’re teaching would-be anglers how to fish and now we’re even loaning people fishing gear.”
The Go Fish BC! Rod Loan program will be offered through visitor centres in Terrace, Prince George, Williams Lake and Quesnel. Each centre has been provided with 20 loan rods, basic fishing tackle, materials outlining easily accessible local fishing opportunities and fishing tips and tricks. The visitor centres will also provide an on-line service where anglers can purchase freshwater fishing licences.