Prince George, B.C. – This is Family Fishing Weekend in B.C, and   West Lake is the place to be to  take part.

It is the 18th year  for  the event which means no fishing license necessary  to enjoy this sport over the next two days.

Free events are taking place  throughout the province,  and at  West Lake,  the events are set for Camp Hughes  from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday.

All events are supported by the Family Fishing Society . “We hold Family Fishing Weekend during Father’s Day weekend to offer kids,  friends and families an activity they can  enjoy together ” says Provincial Co-Ordinator  of the Family Fishing Society of B.C, Owen Bird.

He says some participants  attend to learn  more about fish and fishing, “We also see many knowledgeable anglers who come to teach and share what they  love about fishing.  It’s great  to see the passion for the sport being shared with the next generation.”

Sport fishing is a significant  contributor to the  economy  to  communities  along  the lakes,  rivers and coastline of B.C.- According to   the Freshwater Fishing Society ,  recent studies indicate more than 400,000 annual fishing licence holders produce $936 million in annual sales and contribute $144 million to the province’s gross domestic product. The sport fishery is now the single largest economic driver of all BC fisheries.