VANCOUVER - Dust off your fishing rod and join thousands of British Columbians this Father's Day Weekend in the excitement of BC's Family Fishing Initiative. Everyone is invited to cast a line to celebrate fish and their delicate habitat at one of our 40 special community events across the province.

"Go Fish is our slogan for 2002, our third year," said Christopher Bos, the Family Fishing Weekend Provincial Coordinator. "Following on the incredible success generated last year, we are once again encouraging Canadians to get reacquainted with the great sport of fishing, enjoy BC's beautiful outdoors and spend time with their family and friends."

Go Fish - During BC's Family Fishing Weekend, June 14-15-16, residents of Canada are encouraged to try the fun and skilful sport of fishing in most of the province's tens of thousands of lakes and non-tidal streams, compliments of the provincial government. Fisheries and Oceans Canada also invites you to try your hand at saltwater sport fishing using a tidal water licence.

Visit our Website at: www.familyfishingbc.com and win great prizes!

On our website, you'll find ... more about BC's Family Fishing Weekend ... where to find our special freshwater and saltwater community events ... how to receive your FREE basic freshwater licence, compliments of the provincial government ... fishing regulations ... suggested places in BC to fish within the rules ... and much more!

Media contacts:

Christopher Bos
Provincial Co-ordinator
BC's Family Fishing Week-end
Email: Governor@shaw.ca
(250) 655-9287

Michelle Imbeau
Policy and Communications
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ottawa
Email: ImbeauM@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
(604) 666-2872