State offers free fishing weekend

Jun 23, 2015 at 11:00 pm by Observer-Review


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State offers free fishing weekend

NEW YORK--Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced New York State residents and visitors may fish for free without a fishing license in any of the state's 7,500 lakes and ponds and 50,000 miles of rivers and streams during the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28. Saltwater anglers may also fish in marine waters for migratory marine fish species without enrolling in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.
In addition to the June free fishing weekend, legislation signed by the governor now allows for an increase in the number of authorized yearly statewide free fishing days. This year, Veteran's Day, Nov. 11, has also been designated as a free fishing day.
"New York has some of the best fishing in the nation, and we're making it easier than ever for people to come out and see all this state has to offer," Cuomo said. "These free fishing days are the perfect opportunity to cast a line and take in the great outdoors, and I encourage everyone to explore New York's lakes and waterways this summer."
Anyone 16 years of age and older who desires to fish on dates that are not designated as New York State Free Fishing Days must have a state fishing license. Fishing licenses are now valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. Anglers are reminded that although the requirement for a license and enrolling in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry has been waived during free fishing weekend, all other regulations remain in effect.
"There's really no better time to take someone fishing," Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens said. "The weather is warm, the fish are usually cooperative and beginners can give the sport a try while exploring some of our state's great outdoor resources."
The New York Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative is an effort to improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women and to boost tourism activities throughout the state. This includes streamlining fishing and hunting licenses, reducing license fees, improving access for fishing and increasing hunting opportunities in New York State. In support of this initiative, last year $10 million in New York Works funding was dedicated to fish hatchery repairs and 50 new land and water access projects such as boat launches, hunting blinds, trails and parking areas.
Anglers searching for places to fish should visit the Department of Environmental Conservation's fishing page at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html. An interactive map of public fishing locations can also be found on the website.

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