Florida License-Free Fishing Days Around The Corner

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Just in time for National Fishing and Boating Week, the state of Florida has announced an upcoming freshwater license-free fishing weekend. From June 10-11, residents and visitors to the Sunshine State are invited to cast their lines into freshwater bodies without the need for standard licensing.

“License-free fishing weekends are the perfect opportunity for Floridians and visitors to see for themselves why Florida is known as the Fishing Capital of the World,” Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement. “Fishing is a major economic engine for our state, and these weekends help introduce families to Florida’s great outdoors.”

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Last weekend’s license-free saltwater fishing days and this weekend’s freshwater days are set annually by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to coincide with the national observance.

“We want to make it easy for new anglers to enjoy Florida’s many fishing opportunities, whether they choose to cast from shore, from a boat, or from the banks of one of our many rivers and lakes,” Brian Yablonski, FWC’s chairman, said in a statement. “These weekends also offer a free chance for seasoned anglers to introduce fishing to a someone who has not yet had the opportunity to enjoy it. The experience just might create a new hobby and encourage a commitment to conserving Florida’s valuable natural resources.”

The state offers eight license-free fishing days each year. While licenses are not required, bag limits, closed areas and size restrictions do apply. To find out more about license-free fishing, visit FWC online. To learn more about National Fishing and Boating Week, visit the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s website.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission