The summer begins, and with it comes a freebee this weekend from the State of New York.
Each year, the last full weekend in June is designated as Free Fishing Days in New York. During these two days, anyone can fish state waters, and no fishing license is required.
This event started in 1991 to allow all people the opportunity to sample the incredible fishing New York has to offer. Since no license is required, it is the perfect time to take a friend or relative fishing.
In addition to the June Free Fishing Days weekend, there are a number of “Free Fishing Events” held in various locations across the state. Free Fishing Events are DEC sponsored events (such as family fishing clinics) where participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics and aquatic ecology. Each of DEC’s nine regions can sponsor up to four free fishing events per year, and you can find them at http://www.dec.ny.gov.
After this weekend, however, you will need a license. You can get one online, by phone or at most town clerks’ offices. Many sporting-goods stores sell licenses as well.
If you’re doing it on line, go to the DEC’s automated licensing system (DECALS), which you can find at the state web site mentioned above. Or call (866) 933-2257).
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With the largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing season opened as of this past weekend, the DEC is looking for volunteers for the Lake Ontario Black Bass Angler Diary program.
This program provides information on the fishing quality experienced by bass anglers in the lake, as well as size, gender, and other characteristic information of bass caught. If you are interested in participating, send your name, address, and e-mail to fwfishlo@gw.dec.state.ny.us.
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The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife will host the eighth annual Teen Anglers Youth Day at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford, Warren County, on July 23.
Teen Anglers is a national non-profit organization dedicated to teaching teenagers life skills via fishing. There is no fee for youths ages 12 through 19 to participate in the organization, but they must maintain a C grade average and attend fishing and boating safety classes in order to stay involved. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
