From April through October, Adults and Kids Can Experience Fishing Fun
Twenty-six Free Fishing events were announced today by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis. During these specially-designated activities in each DEC region, the agency waives the requirement to purchase a fishing license with the goal of encouraging new interest in fishing and educating the public about New York's unique natural resources."These events are a great way to take part in one of New York's oldest and most exciting outdoor recreational activities," Commissioner Grannis said. "Fishing is a wonderful way to spend time with family or to enjoy solace in nature, and we hope that young and old alike take part in these fun and educational events."
DEC's Free Fishing events provide participants with an opportunity to learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics and aquatic ecology in their communities. No fishing license is required to participate. Many activities, such as family fishing clinics, also provide equipment to use (check with the event contact to find out the specifics). Each of DEC's nine regions can sponsor up to four free fishing events per year. Most free fishing events occur during the period from April through October.
For a listing of currently posted events and contact information, visit the DEC website. Be sure to keep checking the list, as new events may also be added during the fishing season.
In addition, each year DEC designates the last weekend of June as "Free Fishing Weekend." For 2010, New York's Free Fishing days are Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27. During those two days, anyone can fish New York State waters and no fishing license is required. This event started in 1991 to allow people the opportunity to sample the incredible fishing New York State has to offer. It is the perfect time to take a friend or relative fishing since no license is required.
