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Fishing the day away and having a blast

Families come out for the annual Family Fishing Weekend.
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The Lasseter family (Tracy

It was a fun time for families in the Arrow Lakes as they came out for the annual Family Fishing Weekend.

Several events take place over the weekend in various communities, with help from the Family Fishing Society of BC.

Family Fishing Weekend has been going on for 17 years. This year marked the eighth time it has happened in Nakusp, where there were 53 entries.

For some, it was the first time they’ve taken part, while others have been coming out to fish for a number of years.

“It’s about my third year,” said David Olson. “We do good every year. We catch a lot of fish. It’s a lot of fun.”

Olson said this was probably the best year they’ve seen yet.

One reason so many people are able to come out is because for Father’s Day weekend, freshwater fishing is free across the province families don’t need a fishing license to take part.

Though there was nothing but gray skies and rain throughout the day, that didn’t stop residents from having a good time.

“The fishing out on the lake is fantastic, lots of dollies, lots of kokanee, lots of rainbows,” said Olson. “This is the best thing in the world.”

It wouldn’t be a family event without a bit of good-natured ribbing. Olson joked that his father, Glenn, taught the family really well, while his brother, Art, was okay. He said Art, despite losing a few fish, drove the boat well.

The host of the Nakusp event, Cheryl Black, has been running the event ever since it started. She and her family have enjoyed fishing for as long as she can remember. She said her husband puts their boat in the lake every year, and takes other people fishing to give them the opportunity to enjoy it as well.

At the end of the day, a free barbecue was held, and prizes were given for the top four children’s catch, and top two adults.

Darian Smith came in first for the children’s category, with a seven pound, six ounce bull trout, while Jamie Lasseter came in first in the adult category with a three pound bull trout. Draw prizes were also given out, which included fishing rods, tackle boxes, hooks, bobbers, and bait.

Besides having fun, the fishing weekend also offers an opportunity for people to learn about local waterways.

“It makes people aware of the fish and the type of stocking that goes on in our lakes and rivers,” said Black. “It’s also part of the conservation of knowing what to throw away and what not to throw away, looking at the different species of fish.”