Florida Hosts License-Free Freshwater Fishing This Weekend
-Keep Florida Fishing® Encourages Residents, Visitors to Participate in License-Free Fishing Days-

(TALLAHASSEE, Fla.) – On Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2, Florida residents and visitors will be able to fish in state freshwater fisheries without having to purchase a license. The weekend is part of eight total license-free fishing days approved by Governor Rick Scott and offered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) each year.

"Florida's license-free fishing days are a great way for parents to create lifelong memories with their children by enjoying a weekend together outdoors. Thank you to Governor Scott and the FWC for providing opportunities that help foster the next generation of anglers," said Gary Jennings, Director of Keep Florida Fishing®.

"We encourage anglers of all skill levels to take advantage of license-free fishing this weekend. Florida is known as the Fishing Capital of the World, and our beautiful rivers, lakes and ponds are the perfect backdrop for a fishing trip with family and friends," said Kellie Ralston, Florida Fishery Policy Director of the American Sportfishing Association.

According to the FWC website, "free fishing days provide an excellent opportunity for parents who don't yet have licenses to take youth fishing, or 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 (residents and non-residents). All other rules (e.g., seasons, bag and size limits) apply."

Floridians should mark their calendars with the following 2017 license-free fishing dates:

License-Free Freshwater Days
Saturday/Sunday, April 1-2
Saturday/Sunday, June 10-11

License-Free Saltwater Days
Saturday/Sunday, June 3-4
Saturday, Sept. 2
Saturday, Nov. 25

Keep Florida Fishing, an advocacy arm of the American Sportfishing Association, represents the interests of the recreational fishing community. Florida has more than 3 million anglers who generate $9.6 billion in economic impact, support more than 128,000 jobs and contribute $53.3 million to Florida conservation efforts through license fees and special taxes on motor boat fuel and equipment.

About Keep Florida Fishing®
Keep Florida Fishing® is an advocacy arm of the American Sportfishing Association with the goal of ensuring Florida anglers have clean waters, abundant fisheries and access to both. Learn more at www.KeepFloridaFishing.org. Find Keep Florida Fishing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

###



Contact: Christina Johnson, 850.391.5040, christina@on3pr.com