Fishing Fishing Kent County 1996 Last year, I had the opportunity to meet with ranger Jean-Claude Babineau. He was most helpful in supplying me with some information on fishing New Brunswick as well as providing information on some of the conservation methods in effect. Ranger Babineau is also chair of the Kent County Angling Association and has been a long-standing member of this group for 15 years. He recalls how the group started off with 3 or 4 members and now boasts a membership of close to 200 people. This group is a non-profit organization made up of volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts toward the conservation of our waters and continuation of our fish stock. The volunteers are from every walk of life,: laymen, professionals, as well as biologists. The group's survival is based on government grants, fund raising, and the much-appreciated volunteer workers. There has been a good amount of restocking of fingerlings to our rivers. With such a low survival rate somewhere in the vicinity of 3-4%, it will take some time to equate the results. The most comforting information deemed from Babineau was that we have something very viable to work with: the water condition in our rivers and our streams is in good to very good condition. You might ask yourself why our sport fishing has taken such a beating. There are a number of things contributing to its depletion. Over-fishing commercially (gasperaux netting), sports angling, deterioration of habitat (wood cutting), easier access to water for the sports angler, more people angling. But by and far, from my own observation, and from stories that have been related to me, it is all to apparent why the numbers are no longer there. Greed has been the ultimate factor and the errant thought that there are lots--I'll take all I can. Now their numbers are few and decreasing alarmingly. There is a rumor that there will be a catch and release in effect for salmon fishing in 1998. I, for one, will consider that a positive step in promoting the longevity of the Atlantic Salmon. This taken from a person who has yet to catch her first salmon, although I did work at it passionately. For I, right alongside my fellow anglers, get caught up with the challenge and the thrill to compete against the wild. I must say even though I did not catch my first salmon, I did, in fact, learn a lot this season. I met up with and made a number of aquaintances that for the most were only to happy to share with me some good suggestions and helpful hints. But most importantly, they were friendly and respectful and didn't belittle me because I was the only female fisher person. Sadly I relate this as it would have been nice to see more women participating in such a thrilling pastime. Perhaps in time there will be if I have anything to do with it. This year, I had the opportunity to take a number of kids out fishing. One was my new grandson (7yrs), who for the first time caught a trout. Needless to say it was pretty exciting for this little guy. The first one he caught was a little brooky and it was too small to keep. We gently released it and I took a moment to explain to him the whys. He understood and felt good about it. The second one was a keeper that measured close to 8/12". We brought it home and his comment was "don't cut it." We had a talk and I for one think next year think he will be a catch and release fisherman. The point I am trying to make is that educating the sports fishing public needs to be updated and expanded. I was greatly surprised how ill-informed some fisher people out there really were and again it all boils down to educating us. For instance, standing on a bridge while some 150 to 200 yards away a lad was fishing. I was calling out a fish jumped to your left, there is one rolling. Etc. I was deemed to be coaching him as perceived by a ranger lurking in the woods alongside the river. Coaching from a bridge is illegal and can warrant a poaching fine. Note I was not charged with poaching, but was given a warning of sorts and which I interpreted as an act of education. My first reaction was me poaching! Me, who is an astainer of all that is held glory in sports fishing. It happened on the last day of salmon fishing. I had had such wonderful outings all season and it would be difficult to find the words to describe the many wondrous sights each day brought to me. Days when the bald eagle would be out there soaring over the river watching for his dinner to come swimming by. To see and hear him hit the water with a loud resounding whack! then head back up river with a fish locked in his talons. Now there is a fisherman. But by far the greatest thrill was to see the king of fish, the Atlantic Salmon, jump virtually clear of the water and see the suns rays bounce of him creating a rainbow of colours. I shall never forget these moments. So to all you present or future fisher people, be aware of what you can or can't do and read carefully the summary of fishing regulations given out by the Department Of Natural Resources. If in doubt, or if you have any questions, take a moment and call your local ranger station. You'll find them most helpful. I have all the flyers and thought I had covered it all, but I missed this very important issue. It did hurt, but I'm getting over the embarassment. Fishing is for all to enjoy as well as to conserve and to protect. Sports fishing is something we Maritimers should be most thankful we have. It is a gift from nature and we shouldn't take it lightly. But, like most things that are given freely, it is often not appreciated until there is none. I, for one, hope that it never comes to that. I hope to provide an update on this year's salmon returns in my next article. Visit my site regularly to stay in touch. |
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