| 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. |
