NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

HOTTER THAN A FIRECRACKER -- FWC's
FIVE-YEAR FRESHWATER FISHING LICENSE

June 29, 2001
Contact: Bob Wattendorf (850) 488-0331

The only thing hotter than a firecracker this July 4 is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) five-year freshwater fishing license bonus package.

During July, anyone who buys a five-year freshwater fishing license will receive a bonus package with fishing tackle and magazines worth more than the license's cost ($61.50). Purchasers of lifetime licenses and five-year combination licenses that include freshwater fishing privileges also are eligible for this promotion. In addition, the package will include special deals and rebate offers. In effect, participants get five years worth of freshwater fishing virtually for free.

Lure manufacturers such as Berkley, Culprit, DOA, Gary Yamamoto, PRADCO and Storm are providing sample lures for license buyers. Florida's home-grown Millenium Twist Fishing System also will be included in the package. A package of Daiichi bassworm hooks is included from Tru-Turn International, along with Ultra-Point hooks from Mustad. Sierra Games will include a functional demo CD for their most popular fishing games. A package of bream hooks is offered by the North American Fishing Club, along with a discounted membership offer that opens the door to other free offers. Bass Pro Shops is giving away an insulated coffee mug. Quantum is offering a special reel oil in a pen-like dispenser.

In addition, popular Florida fishing destinations are being highlighted by convention and visitors' bureaus from Central Florida, Lee Island Coast, Kissimmee/St. Cloud and Seminole County, each of which have included a free gift for five-year license buyers.

Popular magazines like BASS' "Structure Basics," "Florida Fishing and Boating," and "Florida Wildlife" will be included. Coupons will let participants get a free copy of "Florida Sportsman," along with a free pass to one of its boat shows, and discounted memberships in "The Big Bass Record Club," and the International Game Fish Association, both of which provide free incentives to join. Larsen Outdoor Press, Carlson Tackle and other companies also make special offers to enhance the package. In addition, Florida LAKEWATCH, the Division of Freshwater Fisheries and the Florida Boating Safety Program are providing valuable information.

Licenses can be purchased from an on-line vendor (such as eAngler.com where a $1.95 surcharge applies) through FWC's instant license number (Call 1-888-FISH-FLOrida. A $3.95 surcharge applies to these credit card transactions.) or at your local tax collector's office. You can start fishing right away, and an attractive plastic license along with your bonus package will be mailed to you within a month to six weeks. If that is not incentive enough, five-year and lifetime licenses automatically cover any fee increases that may occur before the license expires.

Anglers can purchase the license during July and set the activation date for as long as 60 days after they make the purchase if their current license has not expired.