Free Fishing Days: Everything You Should Know Before You Go

Free Fishing Days are days when some states offer free fishing weekends, and anglers can go fishing without a fishing license. Free Fishing Days are a perfect prospect for beginner anglers to try out fishing for the first time.

This article will help you determine what you need to get out on the water during the Free Fishing Days.

Fishing Without a License

Fishing is an incredibly relaxing and inexpensive opportunity to spend a day off from work. Whether an angler is fishing off a dock or fly fishing in a river, chances are an angler will need a fishing license, but there are a few exceptions. 

Each state has slightly different deviations on who, when, and how a person can legally cast their line within that state. Most states will require adults fishing in publicly accessible fishing locations to purchase a fishing permit, whether you are fishing for recreation or not. These licenses can vary in price based on their duration and the type of fishing, saltwater or freshwater, you wish to pursue, and are often required by state fish, wildlife, or wild game laws. During Free Fishing Days, other fishing rules such as seasons, bag, and size limits still apply.

There are many ways for anglers to obtain a fishing license. Anglers can purchase a permit traditionally via the state's fishing department or tackle shops. With today's technology enabling anglers to get a permit via their smartphones effortlessly, they can buy a license digitally. States use all license sale revenue to manage fish and wildlife resources.

Who Can Participate?

Residents of Indiana do not require a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish in Indiana's public waters on Free Fishing Days. Meanwhile, Florida residents under 16 or over 65 years old are exempt from each state's fishing license provisions. Seeking help from a Florida freshwater fishing guide will help an angler know more about free fishing in the state.

Anglers can fish recreationally in public waters without a license on Free Fishing Day, annually designated by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. But the State Public Fishing Lakes still demands a fishing permit on Free Fishing Day, and fishing in a private pond needs the owner's authorization. During Maryland's Free Fishing Days, an angler is not required to have an angler's license, a Chesapeake Bay sportfishing license, or any other type of fishing stamp to catch and possess fish in Maryland's tidal and nontidal waters for recreational purposes. Still, anglers going on fishing trips in Maryland otherwise should observe all fishing laws and regulations. There are also specific fishing areas in Maryland that are specified License Free Fishing Areas.

Anglers can enjoy a free fishing weekend in Michigan, where all fishing license fees will are waived for two days. Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing for all fish species in Michigan waters. Anglers can also go for fishing trips in Louisiana during the state's Free Fishing Days. All fishing regulations, such as size, season, catch limits, and gear limitations, will apply even though Louisiana does not require a fishing license.

Everyone can fish recreationally in Texas on the first Saturday in June of each year without licenses or endorsements. Aside from Free Fishing Days, anglers can also enjoy free fishing all year at more than 70 Texas state parks or in waters enclosed by a state park. It is an excellent opportunity to travel and go on fishing trips in Corpus Christi or try Texas bass fishing trips. Anglers can also fish freely in Illinois without a fishing license, salmon stamp, or inland trout stamp during the state's four-day Free Fishing Days. It is the best time to engage with Illinois fishing charters and plan your trip ahead of the Free Fishing Days. The same rules apply during Free Fishing Days in Washington, California, and other states.

Free Fishing Days are the best time to book some of the best fishing charters in your state. Anglers fishing in Texas can contact Texas Coastal Adventures and enjoy Texas saltwater adventures or book Reel Adventures in Florida to try Florida spearfishing. Old North State Fishing is one of the best freshwater charters to book if you are in the beautiful state of North Carolina. Ron Ron Fishing Charters is the fishing charter to contact if you prefer to fish in Louisiana.

The Takeaway

Free Fishing Days opportunities exist so that more people can try fishing for the first time. It is also the best time to take your friends and families out for amazing fishing tours. Individual states may place specific restrictions, and other fishing regulations may apply, so be sure to contact your state’s fish and wildlife agency for specific state laws.