COLUMN: Recreational fishing: what you need to know

When the weather and the rules permit, recreational fishing is one of the most popular pastimes of Maritimers.

There are important things you should know before heading out for a day of recreational fishing, whether in fresh (inland) waters for species such as salmon, trout, smallmouth bass or landlocked salmon, or in salt (tidal) water for species like scallops, mackerel, cod, haddock, flounder, striped bass, smelt, clams or mussels.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Maritimes Region shares responsibility for management of recreational fisheries with the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, where DFO maintains the lead role for salt water species and the provinces assume most of the responsibilities for fresh water species.

So to get started, other than fishing gear, the one other item you will need is a licence.

A federal licence is required for recreational fishing in salt water for scallops, sharks or marine worms, but not required for mackerel, cod, haddock, flounder, striped bass, clams or mussels in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Federal recreational fishing licences can be obtained at your nearest DFO Area Licence Centre.

To go recreational fishing with a rod and reel for any species of fish in fresh water, you will need an angling licence issued by the respective province and available from local vendors. Seasons for freshwater species are set in cooperation with the provinces, and April marks the start of fishing season for many species in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

For species requiring a licence, you must always carry that licence with you when engaged in recreational fishing activities.

It is your responsibility to ensure you fish within the law. It is important to be aware that daily bag limits and gear restrictions may change from year to year, or even during the fishing season. So it’s always a good idea to check with your local DFO or provincial Natural Resources offices to get the most up-to-date information and ensure that you’re on the right side of the law.

It’s also important to make sure the area in question is safe for harvesting before gathering bi-valve shellfish such as clams and mussels, so you don’t threaten anyone’s health by picking in a ‘closed’, or contaminated, area. You can call your local DFO office for up to date info on shellfish harvesting openings and closures.

DFO’s fishery officers work with provincial conservation officers to conserve and protect the species we depend on for our recreational fishery.

If you see anything 'fishy' going on, or have any questions, contact the nearest office of DFO or provincial Natural Resources, or call 1-800-565-1633.

(Ian Marshall is the DFO Area Director for Southwest Nova Scotia. Do you have questions about this column or would you like to read about other DFO issues that affect you and your community in future columns? Send en email to CommEnquire@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca or call (902) 426-3550.)