03-29-2004, 08:45 PM
[left]The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has designated April 3-4 as Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend in Florida.[/left] [left]During Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend, anyone, including non-residents, can sport-fish in any public freshwater lake or river in Florida without a fishing license. The Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend does not apply to anglers fishing in saltwater. [/left] [left]"The free fishing weekend provides anglers an opportunity to experience Florida's outstanding fisheries," Ed Moyer, director of the FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries, said. "It also can serve as a reminder to those who haven't been fishing in a while that it is a healthy, fun, outdoor experience." [/left] [left]During the free fishing period, all other fishing laws and regulations will remain in effect. A copy of the Florida Freshwater Sport Fishing Guide and Regulations Summary is available at no cost from any fishing license vendor or FWC office or from the agency’s Web site at MyFWC.com.[/left] [left]“The FWC is proud of our state’s fishing heritage and designation as Fishing Capital of the World,” Moyer said. “We want residents and visitors to enjoy our bountiful and well-managed fisheries during this free fishing period.”
The FWC will host a variety of free fishing events statewide. These events are tailored to the novice angler and to families. Many events include free bait, some loaner fishing rods, refreshments and basic training to get new anglers started. For an event near you, see the event schedule at [url "http://myfwc.com/fishing/schedule/events.html"][#0000ff]MyFWC.com/fishing/schedule/events.html[/#0000ff][/url].[/left] [left]“If, after trying it out, you decide, like millions of others, that fishing is a great way to relax, reconnect with family and friends and enjoy yourself, now is a great time to buy a five-year resident freshwater fishing license,” said Bob Wattendorf, Division of Freshwater Fisheries marketing coordinator.[/left] [left]Beginning April 1, the first 3,000 resident anglers to buy a five-year or lifetime freshwater fishing license will receive free samples, magazines or coupons from fishing-related companies. The samples, magazines and premiums included in the package are worth about $30, plus there are hundreds of dollars of special offers and bonus coupons. [/left] [left]Five-year licenses cost $61.50 (plus an administrative fee) and are available on the agency’s Web site at MyFWC.com/license and via the toll-free phone number, 1-888-347-4356. In addition, they may be purchased at any license agent (retail stores and bait-and-tackle shops) or at local county tax collector’s offices. [/left] [left]Looking for a Mother's Day or Father's Day gift? You can order a [url "http://myfwc.com/license.html"][#0000ff]five-year license[/#0000ff][/url] and have the effective date for the license set up for 60 days after the purchase. The package typically arrives in three to four weeks. [/left] [left]For information about local fishing opportunities, interested persons can contact the nearest regional office of the FWC or visit the agency’s Web site at MyFWC.com. [/left]
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The FWC will host a variety of free fishing events statewide. These events are tailored to the novice angler and to families. Many events include free bait, some loaner fishing rods, refreshments and basic training to get new anglers started. For an event near you, see the event schedule at [url "http://myfwc.com/fishing/schedule/events.html"][#0000ff]MyFWC.com/fishing/schedule/events.html[/#0000ff][/url].[/left] [left]“If, after trying it out, you decide, like millions of others, that fishing is a great way to relax, reconnect with family and friends and enjoy yourself, now is a great time to buy a five-year resident freshwater fishing license,” said Bob Wattendorf, Division of Freshwater Fisheries marketing coordinator.[/left] [left]Beginning April 1, the first 3,000 resident anglers to buy a five-year or lifetime freshwater fishing license will receive free samples, magazines or coupons from fishing-related companies. The samples, magazines and premiums included in the package are worth about $30, plus there are hundreds of dollars of special offers and bonus coupons. [/left] [left]Five-year licenses cost $61.50 (plus an administrative fee) and are available on the agency’s Web site at MyFWC.com/license and via the toll-free phone number, 1-888-347-4356. In addition, they may be purchased at any license agent (retail stores and bait-and-tackle shops) or at local county tax collector’s offices. [/left] [left]Looking for a Mother's Day or Father's Day gift? You can order a [url "http://myfwc.com/license.html"][#0000ff]five-year license[/#0000ff][/url] and have the effective date for the license set up for 60 days after the purchase. The package typically arrives in three to four weeks. [/left] [left]For information about local fishing opportunities, interested persons can contact the nearest regional office of the FWC or visit the agency’s Web site at MyFWC.com. [/left]
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