Crist to Floridians: Go Fish

With Floridians increasingly vocal about the failure of government at all levels to control the oil spill in the Gulf, Gov. Charlie Crist has announced two free fishing weekends. Fishers can saltwater fish without a license both Memorial Day weekend and the weekend of June 5 and 6.

Florida is the fishing capital of the world, said Crist, Our beaches are clear, the fish are biting, and we invite our friends to enjoy some Florida hospitality.

Gov. Crists actions to offer free fishing this weekend will do wonders for our business communities that have been suffering cancellations since the oil spill started, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Rodney Barreto said. We are not experiencing any oil impacts, and the fact remains that Florida is open for business.

Will this have an impact on Floridas sagging tourism economy? Its hard to imagine people all across the U.S. canceling their Memorial Day weekend plans and travel to the Sunshine State after getting a notice on Friday morning that Floridas governor is allowing free fishing for the weekend.