Anglers who are living in Victoria BC are checking their gear and getting ready for a new season of sport fishing, are you ready to go fishing? Don’t forget that your freshwater and tidal water sport fishing licences will expire on March 31st! You really don’t want to get caught fishing without a licence, the penalties are harsh, you could face:
- A fine of up to $10,000 or 12 months in prison, or both;
- Seizure of any fish, equipment, vehicle, or vessel if any fish is found to be illegally caught or held, and
- You may have your licence revoked for up to a 30-year prohibition period.
There are numerous and complicated rules around where and when you may fish, what sort of gear is allowed, what species, size and in some cases sex of fish (or shellfish) you are permitted to harvest and it is your responsibility to learn the rules and follow them. Fortunately, there is plenty of information out there if you are unsure about any of the requirements. You could ask at your local purveyor of outdoor and fishing gear, there are usually knowledgeable fishing experts around, or visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s recreational fishing website page(s). Keep in mind that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) changes the rules regularly in response to changing conditions so make sure your knowledge is current.
The Greater Victoria area offers a number of opportunities for freshwater fishing (several local lakes are stocked with catchable trout) as well as saltwater fishing for salmon, halibut and several other species of fish. Sport fishing is one of the many outdoor activities that people who are living in Victoria enjoy year round, due to our mild climate.
