NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA (352today.com) – Want to take the family fishing but not sure they’ll enjoy it? This weekend is the time to do it without having to shell out money for licenses.
The state is offering a license-free freshwater fishing weekend on Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites residents and visitors to explore recreational freshwater fishing in Florida’s lakes and rivers.
“Florida offers an experience seen nowhere else in the world through its abundant fishing opportunities,” said Tom Graef, FWC’s Director of the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management. “License-free fishing weekends help residents and visitors alike connect with friends and family while enjoying the nature Florida has to offer.”
|TIPS ON HOW TO START FISHING: Visit the FWC’s fishing basics web page
FWC says anglers of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to take advantage of this weekend, which allows them to reel in their favorite freshwater species without the need for a fishing license.
The state is offering two family fishing events this weekend:
- Tenoroc Fish Management Area 3829 Tenoroc Mine Road, Lakeland, FL 33805 April 6, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Pre-registration required, which will close April 5. Call FWC at 863-648-3200 to register for the event. A free lunch will be provided. Bait and a limited number of loaner rods and reels will also be available for free to kids 15 and younger.
- Florida Bass Conservation Center 3583 CR 788, Webster, FL 33597 April 6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Attendees should bring fishing gear and bait. A free lunch of hotdogs and hamburgers will be provided.
Looking for other places to go fishing this weekend? Here’s a helpful link to help you locate ramps, piers and other places to cast your line.
While licenses are not required on the free fishing weekend, FWC says all other rules, such as seasons, bag and size limits still apply.
There will be another freshwater license-free fishing weekend on June 8 and 9.