On January 1, 2009 Florida introduced a saltwater fishing license for residents and visitors who wet a line in the ocean, gulf or brackish rivers and lagoons. Annually, the state provides several days when a license won't be required for anyone going saltwater or freshwater fishing and everyone is encouraged to try their luck fishing the spectacular waters in and around the state.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced the Florida license-free fishing days for 2013. On the selected days people will be allowed to fish without the need to purchase a license. Invite a friend or family member to try their hand at landing a big one in some of the finest fishing spots around and they just might be hooked on the sport for life.
Saltwater fishing license-free fishing days are set for June 1, 2013 and September 1, 2013. On these days, the requirement for holding a saltwater fishing license to fish in saltwater will be waived for both visitors and Florida residents.
Freshwater fishing license-free fishing days are set for April 6, 2013 and June 8, 2013. On these days anglers won't be required to hold Florida freshwater fishing licenses. People new to the sport of freshwater fishing can join with the seasoned fishermen to win a Phoenix bass boat powered by Mercury when signing up the FWC freshwater angler recognition program. Anglers who catch, photograph and release a largemouth bass heavier than 8 pounds will be eligible for rewards or certificates, This program includes rewards for catching qualifying freshwater fish from among 33 species in the program, as well. Sign up at the Trophy Catch Florida website.
The June 1, 2013 saltwater license-free day and June 8, 2013 freshwater license-free day fall during the National Fishing and Boating Week. Anglers will find significant media coverage and numerous public events during this week set aside to promote boating and fishing nationwide as fun and healthy outdoor activities.
The September 1, 2013 saltwater license-free day falls during Labor Day weekend, a weekend celebrated as the end of summer with many outdoor activities including fishing. The bay scallop season will be open to harvest on this date, as well.
For more information about the license-free fishing days and specifics about Florida fishing licenses visit the FWC website.
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