Saturday is Free Fishing Day in California

The excitement of catching a fish is almost a rite of passage for summer and this Saturday the California Department of Fish and Wildlife wants to give all California a chance to feel that thrill for free.

On July 2, California residents can try their luck at angling without a license, which is around $47 for an annual pass.

Free Fishing Days, which happens twice a year around Independence and Labor Day weekends, provide a great, low-cost way for residents to give fishing a try, the department said.

For residents who live in urban areas, some region may offer a Fishing in the City program where you can go fishing in the middle of major metropolitan areas.

While the fishing may be free, but all fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures remain in effect.

In addition, very angler must have the appropriate report card if they are fishing for abalone, steelhead, sturgeon, spiny lobster or salmon in the Smith and Klamath-Trinity River Systems.

Click here for the full list of sport fishing rules and regulations.