The barrier-free fishing platform at Petit Lac in Grand Étang was put to good use lately, used by the Cheticamp River Salmon Association (CRSA) as the location for two free community fishing events.
On Wednesday June 21st, the CRSA partnered with staff with Fish Nova Scotia – a long-term program of the provincial government aimed at promoting sportfishing in Nova Scotia – to host Learn to Fish events for the local community. Learn to Fish events are free community events that provide opportunities for participants to learn how to set up fishing tackle, practice basic casting techniques, learn proper handling for catch-and-release fishing, and receive information about both native and invasive fish in Nova Scotia.
Participants in the Learn to Fish event learning about different species of fish that live in the local lakes.
CRSA President Rene Aucoin helps participants with their gear as part of the Learn to Fish event at Petit Lac.
The events at Petit Lac included an afternoon session for The Green Door in Cheticamp, as well as an evening program that was open to the public. Sportfish Development Officer Sabrina Wolthers led both sessions, with help from her summer staff Alyssa Fitt. President of the Cheticamp River Salmon Association, Rene Aucoin, along with Jillian Baker, the CRSA’s Project Manager, and Tobias Gow, the CRSA’s Field Crew Supervisor, were also present to help.
Sportfish Development Officer Sabrina Wolthers helps Dwayne Saunders get ready to fish.
A happy group from The Green Door before an afternoon of fishing at the barrier-free site at Petit Lac.
Although fishing was slow, everyone reported having a wonderful time at Petit Lac – the location of one of Nova Scotia’s newest barrier-free fishing sites. The CRSA and Fish Nova Scotia are also keen to build on the success of these events and will be looking to work together again next year to hold additional Learn to Fish events in the community.