Have you ever wanted to try your hand at fishing?

Have you ever thought about or wanted to try to fish but haven’t had the time or the equipment? 

Well, this may be the time for you to get yourself a rod and reel and try your hand at it, as the province's Free Fishing Weekend is back.  

From Feb. 18-20 (Saturday-Monday) on the Family Day long weekend you can head out onto a frozen lake and give fishing a try without having to purchase a license.  

"We have world-class fishing in Saskatchewan, and we don't let the cold temperatures prevent us from taking full advantage of it," Environment Minister Dana Skoropad said. "Free fishing weekend is the perfect opportunity to try your hand at one of our province's favourite pastimes." 

The long weekend’s weather for Estevan is shaping up to be the perfect time to fish. The wind will die down for Saturday, with a projected high of 0 C. Sunday will be -6, and Monday back to 0.

Though a fishing license is not needed this long weekend, residents and anglers out on the lake do still have to abide by all remaining regulations.  

Those include possession limits, including reduced amounts on certain waterbodies. The free fishing weekend only applies to provincial waterbodies outside of national parks. In addition, those looking to transport fish outside of the province will need a valid Saskatchewan angling license.  

The province does want those ice fishing this weekend to be safe.  

They recommend telling a family member or friend where you will be going and what time you expect to return.  

Also, dressing for the weather is important, as frostbite and hypothermia can happen quickly.  

Be aware of ice thickness, as water does not freeze uniformly and can be unpredictable - you need at least 10 cm of good ice to walk safely and at least 30 cm of good ice to travel in a light vehicle. 

For any more information about the province's fishing regulations, you can visit their website.