FRESHWATER FISHING LICENSE
NOT REQUIRED APRIL 2-3
Contact: Bob Wattendorf (850) 488-0331
Nows the time to gas up the truck, load up the kids, break out your fishing gear and go fishing! April 2-3, you wont even need a license to fish in freshwater, here in Florida the number-one destination for anglers from all over the world.
Bass, bream and crappie they all start biting this time of year here in the state that claims bragging rights to the title Fishing Capital of the World.
The Florida Legislature and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set aside one weekend per year for residents and visitors to enjoy freshwater fishing without having to worry about buying a fishing license.
Bob Wattendorf, an FWC fisheries biologist who helps promote the annual event, said the Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend is an opportunity for parents to open a whole new world of adventure with their children.
When you see a child catch his first fish and hear the squeals and screams and you watch the breathless excitement, Wattendorf said, youre seeing a magical moment the child will remember forever. And someday, the child may pass that moment on to yet another generation and carry on the centuries-old tradition of fishing in Florida.
Free fishing weekend isnt just for kids, though. It offers a convenient opportunity for adults who havent caught a fish in a while to get reacquainted with angling, and do it in some of the waters that have yielded more than 700 world-record fish catches.
It doesnt take much of an investment to go fishing here, Wattendorf said. A can of worms, a cane pole and a few hours of leisure time are all it takes to get started. There is no point in Florida that is more than a few minutes drive from some kind of fishing opportunity.
Besides all that you get to eat fresh fish when you go fishing, and every angler knows the fresher the fish, the more delicious it is on a plate beside some cheese grits, cole slaw, hushpuppies and maybe some pork and beans or a little potato salad.
Free fishing weekend applies to freshwater fishing only.
Florida residents who take advantage of free fishing weekend and decide to settle into a lifestyle of recreational freshwater fishing in this states waters may want to check into another promotion the FWC has in progress. The first 3,000 Florida residents to purchase the $61.50 five-year freshwater fishing license will receive $80 worth of free hooks, lures, fishing line, magazines and other goodies like t-shirts and fishing towels.
This is a great way to help contribute to the future of fish and wildlife conservation in Florida, Wattendorf said. Anybody who is interested can get more information including up-to-date information about whether the 3,000 limit still is open -- at MyFWC.com.
Anglers who plan on buying a boat and pick the right make can save $250 on gear to outfit the vessel if they buy the five-year license during the promotion.
Fishing licenses are available at county tax collectors offices, license agents, online at MyFWC.com or over the phone at 1-888-FISH FLORIDA.
NOT REQUIRED APRIL 2-3
Contact: Bob Wattendorf (850) 488-0331
Nows the time to gas up the truck, load up the kids, break out your fishing gear and go fishing! April 2-3, you wont even need a license to fish in freshwater, here in Florida the number-one destination for anglers from all over the world.
Bass, bream and crappie they all start biting this time of year here in the state that claims bragging rights to the title Fishing Capital of the World.
The Florida Legislature and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set aside one weekend per year for residents and visitors to enjoy freshwater fishing without having to worry about buying a fishing license.
Bob Wattendorf, an FWC fisheries biologist who helps promote the annual event, said the Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend is an opportunity for parents to open a whole new world of adventure with their children.
When you see a child catch his first fish and hear the squeals and screams and you watch the breathless excitement, Wattendorf said, youre seeing a magical moment the child will remember forever. And someday, the child may pass that moment on to yet another generation and carry on the centuries-old tradition of fishing in Florida.
Free fishing weekend isnt just for kids, though. It offers a convenient opportunity for adults who havent caught a fish in a while to get reacquainted with angling, and do it in some of the waters that have yielded more than 700 world-record fish catches.
It doesnt take much of an investment to go fishing here, Wattendorf said. A can of worms, a cane pole and a few hours of leisure time are all it takes to get started. There is no point in Florida that is more than a few minutes drive from some kind of fishing opportunity.
Besides all that you get to eat fresh fish when you go fishing, and every angler knows the fresher the fish, the more delicious it is on a plate beside some cheese grits, cole slaw, hushpuppies and maybe some pork and beans or a little potato salad.
Free fishing weekend applies to freshwater fishing only.
Florida residents who take advantage of free fishing weekend and decide to settle into a lifestyle of recreational freshwater fishing in this states waters may want to check into another promotion the FWC has in progress. The first 3,000 Florida residents to purchase the $61.50 five-year freshwater fishing license will receive $80 worth of free hooks, lures, fishing line, magazines and other goodies like t-shirts and fishing towels.
This is a great way to help contribute to the future of fish and wildlife conservation in Florida, Wattendorf said. Anybody who is interested can get more information including up-to-date information about whether the 3,000 limit still is open -- at MyFWC.com.
Anglers who plan on buying a boat and pick the right make can save $250 on gear to outfit the vessel if they buy the five-year license during the promotion.
Fishing licenses are available at county tax collectors offices, license agents, online at MyFWC.com or over the phone at 1-888-FISH FLORIDA.
