Have a little free time on your
hands? Grab a friend or family member and try some free fishing. Thanks
to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) the only thing
you’ll have spend is some quality time together.
The PFBC has designated Saturday, May 26, and Sunday, June 3, as
Fish For Free Days in the Commonwealth. Fish For Free Days allow
anyone – not just license holders or youth under the age of 16 – to
legally fish in Pennsylvania. From 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on both
days, no fishing license is needed to fish in Pennsylvania's waterways.
Fish For Free Days provide an opportunity for active anglers to
introduce a friend or relative to the lifelong sport of fishing. Best of
all, it's a good time and a fun way to spend a day with the entire
family.
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. The June 3 date is part of the observation of National
Fishing and Boating Week, June 2-10, 2007.
“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,” said PFBC Executive
Director Douglas Austen.
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.
