National Fishing and Boating Week set June 2-10
National Fishing and Boating Week is scheduled June 2-10. No celebrations are planned locally, but Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland have scheduled “free fishing days” during the week.
On free fishing days, anglers can fish without a license anywhere in the state; however, all laws, limits and regulations must be adhered to.
A plus in these states is that the angler does not have to be a state resident, which enables fishermen, who may have been thinking of purchasing a license in Maryland or West Virginia, a chance to “test the waters,” so to speak, as well as encouraging anglers from neighboring states to come over and check out Pennsylvania’s lakes and streams.
Pennsylvania has designated this Saturday (May 26) and June 3 as free fishing days.
The May 26 Fish For Free Day was specifically designated to coincide with the Memorial Day weekend, a traditional time for families to gather, and the unofficial start of many outdoor recreational activities in the state.
Maryland has designated Saturday, June 2, Saturday, June 9 and Wednesday, July 4 as free fishing days.
West Virginia has scheduled free fishing days on Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10.
National Fishing Week began in 1979 to focus public attention on the lifestyle benefits of fishing, recreational fishing opportunities and aquatic resource stewardship responsibilities.
In its news release on National Fishing and Boating Week, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Executive Director Douglas Austen said, “No other activities can bond a family together quite like fishing and boating. It’s a great way for families to have fun, create new memories and spend quality time together. We invite young and old alike to Fish For Free and discover just how much fun it can be. Fish For Free Days provide the perfect chances to get started.”
To make it even easier to get started – or restarted – in fishing visit the PFBC’s web site at www.fishandboat.com and select “Fish” from the left-hand navigation bar.
From the drop-down menu, click on “Fishing Fundamentals.” There, you can find a list of Family Fishing Programs that provide fun, friendly hands-on instruction for anglers of all ages. Or you delve further into the web site to learn more about basic fishing equipment (including a list of sites where you can borrow fishing tackle free of charge), locate fishing destinations nearby and information on the types of fish you may catch. While on the Commission site, don’t forget to check out some of the rules that govern fishing.
While license requirements are waived for these special days, all other regulations such as fishing seasons, the minimum sizes for keeping certain fish, and the limit on the number you may take still apply.
If you’ve never been fishing or you just want to get back into the sport, think about the upcoming free fishing days. There is no better way to “get hooked” a first time or again.