Have a little free time on your hands? Grab a friend or family member and try some free fishing. Thanks to the Fish and Boat Commission the only thing you’ll spend is some quality time together.

The PFBC has designated Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, June 4, as Fish For Free Days in the Commonwealth. Fish For Free Days allow anyone – not just license holders or youth under the age of 16 – 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.

Fish For Free Days provide an opportunity for active anglers to introduce a friend or relative to the lifelong sport of fishing. Best of all, it's a good time and a fun way to spend a day with the entire family.

The May 27 Fish For Free Day was specifically designated to coincide with the Memorial Day weekend, a traditional time for families to gather, and the unofficial start of many outdoor recreational activities in the state. The June 5 date is part of the observation of National Fishing and Boating Week, June 3-11, 2006.

“No other activities can bond a family together quite like fishing and boating. It's a great way for families to have fun, create new memories and spend quality time together. We invite young and old alike to Fish For Free and discover just how much fun it can be. Fish For Free Days provide the perfect chances to get started,” said PFBC Executive Director Douglas Austen.

Not sure where to begin? No problem. To make it even easier to get started – or restarted – in fishing, the PFBC has scheduled dozens of free family fishing programs throughout the spring and summer.

To find an event near you, visit the “Start SMART” section of the PFBC’s website.

The PFBC also offers a number of tackle loaner sites throughout the state where basic fishing tackle may be borrowed free of charge any time of year.

Link: Engaging Pennsylvania’s Youth in Fishing’s Future

Join PA League of Angling Youth

5/19/2006