LITTLE ROCK – This message is addressed to the non-fishing residents of Arkansas.

If you have ever had the urge to try this popular game called fishing, the upcoming weekend, from noon Friday, June 9, through midnight Sunday, June 11, is an ideal time to do it. You don’t need a license – anywhere in Arkansas. Just go out and fish.

There is not even a catch to it. No contest to enter, no essays to write, no drawings to be held. The occasion is the annual Free Fishing Days of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and the state agency has been doing it annually for many years.

Apparently it works from the standpoint of introducing new anglers to the fishing world. That’s the opportunity for you, the non-fishing person in our community.

Yes, we understand that you are in the minority. The neighbor talks about it after he wakes you up before dawn cranking up his vehicle to trailer a boat to the lake. You can’t get away from the avid fisherman at the office who interrupts your train of thought with “let me tell you about the really big bass I almost caught yesterday.”

What’s with these people? Are they really on to something? Is this fishing the hot item they claim it is?

Here’s a chance to go out and see for yourself. Granted, just picking up a rod and tying on a hook and threading a worm on that hook doesn’t mean you are going to catch that braggin’ size fish. There is a definite skill to it. It’s a sport, for goodness sake. You didn’t knock a baseball over the fence the first time you picked up a bat, did you?

More on a practical note, the Friday noon through Sunday midnight Free Fishing occasion gives you a chance to indulge without having to shell out $10.50 for a fishing license if you are an Arkansas resident. And non-residents get to fish free, too. Maybe you are already hooked on fishing, but have guests coming in this weekend from out of town. Take ‘em fishing. No licenses needed for the visitors.

You may have kids who have gained an interest in fishing. If they are under 16, they don’t need a license anyway, but go with them. Spend some time with the youngsters. Fishing is a great motivator, a bridge builder. Perhaps you are a single mom and don’t know a thing about fishing. Go with the child and learn together.

A hint here: If you have never fished, ask a fishermen for tips, for suggestions, for pointers. Anglers like nothing better than to tell a novice how to do it.

Another hint: Forget those outdoor television programs where the hosts catch lunker bass cast after cast. Go fishing for bream or crappie or catfish with some live bait like worms, crickets or minnows. Your chances of catching something will be greatly increased, and you can ease into the bass game later on. And, that worm, cricket or minnow just may entice a big ol’ bass. You never can tell.

This free fishing goes for trout as well. You aren't required to have a trout permit in addition to the fishing license. If you really want to learn fishing, use that license money you don’t have to spend to help pay for a trout outing with a professional guide. Yes, it costs, but a guide can teach you more in a half day on the trout waters than you can learn in a whole bunch of fishing trips by yourself.

There are also a number of fishing derbies that will be held at the following AGFC hatcheries:

*Andrew Hulsey State Fish Hatchery, Hot Springs, 1-877-525-8606

*Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery, Centerton, 1-877-795-2470

*Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery, Lonoke, 1-877-676-6963

*William H. Donham State Fish Hatchery, Corning, 1-877-857-3876

*Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery, Mammoth Spring, 1-877-625-7521