You're probably familiar with the expression “having your foot on the station wagon.” Well, that seems to be exactly what Mother Nature has done so far with her winter season and extreme cold.
• Also read: The most productive winter month for yellow perch
Persistent cold weather that allows ice to thicken was delayed this year, much to the dismay of outfitters in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade. The cured surface must reach a thickness of 12 inches (30 cm) before the fishing village can be constructed.
“We cannot gamble with the safety of our customers and our community. “If the temperatures hold, we should be able to open our doors today,” said Steve Massicotte of the Sainte-Anne River Outfitters Association. The 19 outfitters are working hard on the gradual installation of the 350 cabins, which can accommodate 4 to 30 people.”
Similar to the same
For almost nine decades, operations began around December 26th every year. Additionally, Tomcods are referred to as Christmas fish by many fans.
“Like everywhere else on the planet, we must face global warming and we cannot escape it.” While this year’s situation may seem unique, remember that operations only began on January 14 last year,” explains Mr. Massicotte in soothing tone.
The bright side
Small cod travel about 200 km to reproduce in the Sainte-Anne River. This is the most important spawning site for this species on the Atlantic slope. The females lay their precious eggs in the frazil ice. But now even that slush is long overdue.
“In fact, the best time to fish has always been January. I feel like everything is out of sync and the fish are just waiting for your gifts. In addition, there has been no fishing pressure and no harvest so far,” explains the spokesman for this activity, which usually attracts more than 75,000 to 90,000 followers per winter.
Remember that the school of small fish in the canals is estimated at 600,000,000 and that there has been no commercial fishing since 1992. Visitors capture only a small percentage of this abundant population. It's possible to eat them—several recipes use tomcats—donate them to food banks, or put them back in the water, with survival rates around 97%.
What there is to know
No fishing license is required to catch these fish, whose average size is between 15 and 20 cm. The fishing schedule is 24 hours a day from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or at night from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Inflation seems to have forgotten this wonderful activity to do with family, friends or colleagues. Monday through Friday the price is $25 per adult and $12.50 per child ages 6 to 12. On weekends, these prices increase to $35 and $20. To encourage the younger generation, you should know that it is free for young children. To make their investment profitable, outfitters require a minimum package of $75 per week and $140 on weekends for cabin rentals.
To learn more or reserve your spots, call 418 325-2475 or visit lespetitspoissons.ca.