When David Klein of Freedom, Pa., received notification that he had just won the Fish and Boat Commission’s sweepstakes award for a guided Lake Erie steelhead trip for two people, he was amazed.

The trip prize was the first of 20 prizes, over 20 weeks (one per week), to be awarded in the PFBC’s “Fishing’s Fun Sweepstakes” through early May. The prize was drawn on December 16 and provided courtesy of Lake Erie Ultimate Angler, Bel-Aire Clarion Hotel and Victors Restaurant.

“I decided to register for the sweepstakes on Sunday, just hours before the winner was selected,” said the 62 year-old Klein. “I’ve only been lucky once before with winning a fishing prize. That was many years ago while fishing Brady’s Run in Beaver County. I won $1,500 for catching a tagged fish.”

Klein says that he’s been fishing since he was 10-years-old and fishes Lake Erie tributaries, specifically Elk Creek, every year. He found out about the sweepstakes by receiving the PFBC’s e-mailed newsletter.

In addition to fishing in Erie, Klein states, “I think fishing around Pittsburgh in the Three Rivers area is great, especially what it was compared to years ago.” He adds, “The high-quality of the opportunities and fishery around Pittsburgh is what keeps me fishing.”

As a grandfather to three grandchildren, ages 2 through 5, Klein knows the value of family fishing and passing the recreational enjoyment and understanding about aquatic resources to the next generation.

“I try to get the grandkids out fishing with me every chance I get,” he says. “Now that I’m retired, I have the time and they love to fish.”

The PFBC’s “Fishing’s Fun Sweepstakes” is a great way for everyone to have a chance at winning fishing trips with angling experts all over the state and fish for all types of fish species. In addition, Cabela’s has provided 10 $500 gift cards as part of the prize package.

The sweepstakes is open to the public with no purchase necessary to enter. All you need is your e-mail address to register.

The sweepstakes is just a part of the Fish and Boat Commission’s promotional launch of its new 3-year and 5-year fishing licenses. These new multi-year fishing licenses are available for all types and permits usually provided for one-year licenses.

In addition, the PFBC has “sweetened the deal” by providing purchase rewards for customers who purchase multi-year licenses. With a license that’s good for three or five years, anglers can now enjoy carefree and convenient fishing without the worries of purchasing an annual license.

To register for the “Fishing’s Fun Sweepstakes” and to know more and purchase a multi-year fishing license, visit the Gone Fishing PA website.

1/14/2013