License-Free Fishing Days in Florida
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License-Free Fishing Days in Florida

April 7, 2012

Grab your fishing rods and tackle box. It’s almost time to take advantage of the first of four license-free fishing days scheduled for this summer in Florida.

Take this opportunity to introduce your friend to the recreational pursuit without having to purchase a license. Are the grandchildren, great grandchildren planning a visit? Show them the ropes and help them experience The days are chances for grandparents, who don’t yet have a license, to take youth fishing, or for avid anglers to introduce a friend to the recreational pursuit without having to purchase a license.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) spread out the opportunities this year so more people will be able to head for their favorite lakes and rivers or saltwater destinations on designated days. Instead of providing one weekend for freshwater fishing and one weekend for saltwater fishing, the Commissioners decided to break up the days.

Neither residents nor visitors to the state will need a recreational fishing license on the special days:

April 7 - Freshwater
June 2 - Saltwater
June 9 - Freshwater
September 1 - Saltwater.

April 7th occurs during a productive freshwater fishing period when the weather is usually comfortable. Plus it is Easter weekend, and many people like to fill the weekend with a variety of activities with family or friends.

June 2nd free saltwater fishing day coincides with the first weekend of Gulf red snapper season and National Fishing and Boating Week, which means there will be lots of other related activities going on.

June 9th is the date for freshwater fishing and also coincides with the last day of National Fishing and Boating Week. Last year, 38 states had at least one license-free fishing day during this annual event.

September 1 is the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, which is when we all celebrate the traditional end-of-summer holiday. In addition, bay scallops, lobster and snook will be open for harvest on this date.

All other bag limit, season and size restrictions apply on these dates. The license-free fishing designation applies only to recreational fishing, not commercial.

To make your free fishing day successful, check out MyFWC.com/Fishing for fishing tips, locations and rules.

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