News release

Learn 2 Fish Program is for Children and Families

Fisheries and Aquaculture

All ages can benefit from expanded Learn 2 Fish programs being offered this spring around the province.

For the first time, a community event for adults and children is being offered in each recreational fishing area. Learn 2 Fish teaches the basics of sportfishing, along with ethics and environmental stewardship.

“Learn 2 Fish is one of our department’s most popular programs, reflecting the overall interest in sportfishing,” said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell. “These sessions help to interest younger Nova Scotians in angling and can plant the seeds for a lifelong love of the outdoors that will ensure sportfishing continues to benefit the economy of our rural communities.”

The free community sessions are organized by staff of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture or volunteers from local sportfishing organizations. Participants will be shown how to assemble basic tackle, casting with both open and closed-face reels and proper handling for catch-and-release. They will be able to keep their fish if they choose.

All ages are welcome and early arrival is recommended as participation is on a first come, first served basis. Children will need to be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian.

This initiative builds on the success of Learn 2 Fish for school-aged groups. More than 15,000 youth have gained introductory angling skills since the program began in 2006. The program is for youth from grades 4 to high school, and includes 4-H Clubs, scouts and guides and others. Volunteers and staff will be running these sessions in May and June, based on strong enrolment from February.

The Learn 2 Fish program is supported by the three provincial hatcheries, which stock the lake or pond with trout so that youth are more likely to catch a fish. If you cannot make it to a community Learn 2 Fish session, you can always take your family fishing at a stocked lake.

Check out https://novascotia.ca/fish/sportfishing/hatchery-stocking/stocking-update/ for a weekly update.

Community Learn 2 Fish Sessions are scheduled for:

  • South Ohio, Yarmouth County, a private pond at 533 Highway #340, on May 8, from 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Upper Tantallon, Halifax Regional Municipality, Jerry Lawrence Park, 4775 St. Margarets Bay Rd, May 27, from noon to 2 p.m. with partner Five Bridges Heritage Trust
  • St. Croix, Hants Co., St. Croix Pond, Ball Park Road, June 2, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with partner Hants West Wildlife Association
  • Glace Bay, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, #20 Dam, John Bernard Croak Memorial Park, 53 Beacon St., June 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. with partner Port Morien Wildlife Association
  • Truro, Kiwanis Pond, 32 Juniper St., June 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Trenton, Trenton Park, 119 Park Rd., June 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. For more details, call 902-485-7021.