Anglers throughout British Columbia will be reeling in more than just their favourite fish this summer.
Coinciding with its 10th anniversary, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC is launching a new province-wide research project that requires the help of anglers – in return for rewards totalling more than $15,000.
Beginning this month and continuing through fall 2013, the society is marking approximately 300 of its catchable size, hatchery-raised rainbow trout with individually numbered neon-pink tags bearing a toll-free number.
The trout were released into 40 fishing lakes around the province. Anglers who catch one of these tagged fish are asked to remove the tag and call the toll-free number.
Provided they have a current BC fishing licence and any required stamps, the society will send the first 150 “tag reporters” a $100 reward. Subsequent tag reporters will receive gift certificates of various values for fishing supplies.
The specific locations of the tagged fish releases are not being revealed, but the society confirms that fish will be released into multiple stocked lakes including Vancouver Island.