Sink Your Lure into Florida’s Freshwater for Free on Saturday

No, fishing isnt always free in Floridas 3 million acres of lakes, ponds and reservoirs and 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals, but on April 6, Floridians can cast their lines without penalty.

Saturday will be the first of four license-free recreational fishing days provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The FWC scheduled the first of four license-free recreational fishing days on this weekend, because it coincides with a productive freshwater fishing period, when the weather is usually pleasant. Many of Floridas recreational sport fishes, such as black bass, bluegill and redear sunfish, move into the shallows to spawn during spring, making them more available for anglers to catch, the agency said in a release.

Fishing on a non-exempt day requires a permit from the state that comes with a $17 fee. June 8 will be the second free day for freshwater fishing. June 1 and Sept. 1 have been designated license-free saltwater fishing days.

HB 333, sponsored by Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, would ease some restrictions on fishing, like nonresidents timeframe to get licenses, and would create exemptions for veterans.

Bag limits, season and size restrictions apply on license-free days for recreational fishing.