Bethel Fishermen and Women: May 7 is Free Fishing Day in Connecticut

From the State of CT DEEP:

This Saturday (May 7th) is a great day to be outdoors with your family – A “Family Fishing Day” is scheduled as part the of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) “Great Park Pursuit Connecticut State Parks Family Adventure” at Stratton Brook State Park, Simsbury. Open to families and children, this free event takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and will include fishing at the pond, fish sampling, fish stocking, a fish fry, nature hikes, and fun activities for all ages.

The Hammonasset Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be on hand with three different educational stations – Fly Casting, Fly Tying, and River Ecology – for visitors to learn more about fishing.

“Free Fishing Day is a great opportunity for experienced anglers to encourage family members and friends to join them outdoors for a day of fishing -- no fishing license required -- open to residents and non-residents alike,” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee. “Tying it in with the Great Park Pursuit gives families a chance to fish side-by-side with expert anglers for an exciting fishing experience in one of Connecticut’s 109 state parks. Along with Great Park Pursuit participants, we also hope that visitors will try out other fishing opportunities Connecticut has to offer.”

The Great Park Pursuit is a part of the agency’s No Child Left Inside® initiative, now celebrating its 11th year, focusing on introducing families to the outdoors, building the next generation of environmental stewards and showcasing Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests. No registration is required. For more information on “Family Fishing Day” emailmike.beauchene@ct.gov or call DEEP Inland Fisheries Division at 860-424-FISH (3474). More information on the “TheGreat Park Pursuit” can be found at www.NoChildLeftInside.org, email Teresa.Gagnon@ct.gov or call DEEP State Parks Division at (860) 424-3200.

“The Great Park Pursuit has been so much fun for families over the past ten years. Seeing families come back year after year and watching their children grow has been heartwarming and it is wonderful to welcome new families who want to learn about the outdoors and recreational adventures that await them in Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests,” added Commissioner Klee.

In addition to the DEEP event, the Carl D’Addaraio Children’s Fishing Derby will be held on Mirror Lake, Hubbard Park, Meriden, CT. This annual children's fishing event is sponsored by the Meriden Rod and Gun Club and the City of Meriden with prizes in various age groups for biggest fish and most fish caught. Each child also gets a free hotdog and soft drink. Some of the top prizes include bicycles. This event is rain or shine and registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and the derby starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 12:00 noon. For more information contact Mike Roberts atmichaelroberts@mindspring.com

Anglers should be aware that although no licenses are required, all other Connecticut fishing laws and regulations apply on “Free Fishing Day.” Anglers are advised to check fishing regulations in the 2016 Connecticut Angler’s Guide, found online at www.ct.gov/deep/anglersguide. Print versions of the guides are available at more than 350 locations statewide or by contacting DEEP’s Inland Fisheries Division (860-424-FISH).

Additional fishing and fisheries related information can be found on the DEEP web site at: www.ct.gov/deep/fishing. Fisheries and Wildlife can be found directly on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CTFishandWildlife.

Image via Flickr Creative Commons