Teach a man to fish — or a kid — and you feed them for life.
And this weekend you can do it for free on Florida freshwater.
Usually, a license is required for residents to fish legally here in Florida. However, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission allows fishing without a license on select days during the year.
The second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June — this weekend, the 13th and 14th — mark the end of National Fishing and Boating Week, and are license-free fishing days. According the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, these days provide an excellent opportunity for those who don’t yet have a fishing license to experience fishing, take a child to teach them to fish, or for avid anglers to introduce a friend to fishing without having to purchase a license.
On these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers, including both residents and non-residents. But bag and size limits still do apply, so go to myfwc.com to find out how much and how big you can catch — meaning fish stories of how it was “that big” are also limited. Plus, when you’re fishing, social distancing is a really, really easy way to enjoy the outdoors, something most of us probably haven’t gotten enough of these last couple of months.
Another great site, takemefishing.org, has tips on hooking those big fish. So grab your rods, reels, hooks, lures, and bait — and definitely a floppy hat and sunscreen — and head out on the water this weekend for some fishing fun. If you’re on a boat, always wear your life jacket.
