Families and friends visiting Pennsylvania’s popular outdoor spots on the Labor Day holiday weekend can enjoy a day of free fishing, thanks to the Fish and Boat Commission.

Labor Day - September 3 – marks the second of two free fishing days in the Commonwealth. Fish For Free Days allow anyone – residents and non-residents – 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. All other fishing regulations apply.

“Fish-for-Free days are a convenient way to introduce friends and family to the sport of fishing,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “Many families spend the day at lakes and parks throughout the state. Now they can try fishing at no cost. We know that once people try it, particularly kids, they will see that fishing is a great recreational activity and they will want to do it more.”

To make it even easier to get started – or restarted – in fishing, the PFBC will host Family Fishing Programs at three locations in the northern portion of Pennsylvania on September 1.

“The Family Fishing Programs are free educational experiences designed for families with little or no fishing experience,” said Carl Richardson, PFBC manager of Education and Outreach. “Participating families will learn basic fishing skills and have an opportunity to practice those skills while fishing together during the program.”

The programs will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at these locations: Mauch Chunk Lake County Park, Carbon County; Bald Eagle State Park, Centre County; and Maurice K. Goddard State Park, Mercer County.

The fishing license requirement is waived for registered program participants 16 and older. The program is open to all ages. However, the program is designed for children ages 5 and older.  All equipment, bait and tackle will be provided.

Pre-Registration Required

Space is limited at the event, so pre-registration is required. Deadline for registration is August 31, and there will be no registration taken the day of the event. Visit Take Me Fishing PA to register and learn more about these events and Labor Day’s Fish-for-Free Day.

8/20/2012