License-free saltwater fishing on Father’s Day weekend

For immediate release: June 15, 2011
Media contact: Susan Smith, 850-488-8843

License-free saltwater fishing on Father’s Day weekend

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and one great way to celebrate is by planning a fishing trip off of the waters of Florida.  So if it has been awhile since you last wet a hook, or if it is something you’ve always wanted to try, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has provided a great opportunity to get dads and their families out on the water. You won’t need a saltwater fishing license anywhere in Florida during the weekend of June 18-19.

The FWC first announced this opportunity for anglers, which also included the weekend of June 4-5, at the April 19 Cabinet meeting in Panama City with the support of Gov. Rick Scott and Cabinet.

“We hope the public will take advantage of the license-free fishing weekend and reconnect with fishing,” said Nick Wiley, FWC executive director. “Florida is the fishing capital of the world, and there is no better time than now to enjoy our many natural resources.”

Not only is recreational saltwater fishing fun, it is good for Florida. Each year, both resident and visiting saltwater anglers contribute more than $5.4 billion to Florida’s economy.

For more information about saltwater fishing or the license-free fishing weekend, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and FishingCapital.com.