FWC offers license-free fishing for next two weekends

License-Free Fishing in Florida

Are you a fishing enthusiast or have been wanting to try your hand at saltwater or freshwater fishing, but don’t have a license? Well, here’s some good news for you! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering two weekends in June for license-free fishing. This means that on these weekends, you won’t require a license to catch your favorite fish.

What is License-Free Fishing?

License-free fishing is a program initiated by the FWC to encourage fishing as a sport and introduce it to new anglers. During this period, anglers can fish for saltwater and freshwater species without purchasing a license. The license-free fishing days for June 2019 are:

Saltwater Fishing:

June 1 – 2

Freshwater Fishing:

June 8 – 9

Who Can Participate?

Both Florida residents and visitors can take part in the license-free weekends, provided they adhere to the normal size and bag limit restrictions. If you’re not sure about the regulations, you can check them out on the FWC website or get in touch with an FWC officer for clarification.

Benefits of License-Free Fishing Weekends

License-free fishing weekends are an excellent opportunity for new anglers to try their hand at fishing without investing in a license. Experienced anglers can also take advantage of this opportunity to catch their favorite fish without having to pay the fees. Additionally, these weekends bring families and friends together and allow them to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Popular Saltwater Catches

If you’re planning to go saltwater fishing, you should know that Florida has a rich variety of species that are available for catch. Some of the popular saltwater catches include:

Redfish
Snook
Tarpon
Speckled trout
Flounder

Popular Freshwater Catches

Florida is also well known for its freshwater species. Some of the popular catches include:

Largemouth bass
Butterfly peacock bass
Snook

Get Your Fishing License

If you find that you enjoyed the free fishing experience, consider buying an annual license for fresh or saltwater fishing. The cost of an annual license for Florida residents is $17 for freshwater fishing and $17 for saltwater fishing. Non-residents can buy an annual license for $47 for either freshwater or saltwater fishing.

Final Thoughts

License-free fishing weekends are a great way for new anglers to get into fishing. It also provides an excellent opportunity for experienced anglers to experiment with different species and techniques. Florida has a diverse range of fish species that can make your fishing experience memorable. So, get your gear ready, and head out to catch your favorite fish without a license!

Originally Post From https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/05/31/fwc-offering-license-free-fishing-next-two-weekends/