NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

March 13, 2001

CONTACT: Bob Wattendorf (850) 488-0331

FWC ANNOUNCES FREE FISHING DAYS

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has set aside April 7 and 8 as Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend in Florida.

During the 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.

"The free fishing weekend provides anglers an opportunity to experience Florida's extraordinary fisheries," Ed Moyer, director of the FWC's Division of 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."

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.

The FWC also will host a number 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 information about local fishing opportunities, contact the nearest regional office of the FWC or visit its Web site at www.myflorida.com/fwc/fishing/updates/free2001.html for up-to-date fishing regulations and information.

Scheduled special events for Saturday, April 7 include:

• Blackwater Fisheries Center, Holt - Annual Kids Fishing Day for children ages 13 and under. Pre-registration is required. Call after March 17. A similar event is scheduled for March 31 and focuses on fishing in a stocked pond. Contact - Bob DeMauro (850) 957-6175.
• Sam Mitchell Aquaculture Demonstration Facility, Blountstown - Kids Fishing Day for children. Pre-registration is required. The event focuses on fishing in a stocked pond. Contact - Bill Pouder (850) 265-3676.
• Southwest Region near Lakeland, the Charlotte County Chapter of Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) will sponsor an event at the Babcock/Webb Wildllife Management Area, Marl Pond 1 and 2 Fish Management Areas Non-competitive family fishing with some canepoles and bait provided. Possibly some give aways. Contact-Tom Champeau (836) 648-3202.
• Richloam Hatchery, near Webster, has a youth fishing event in stocked ponds. Contact - Chuck Starling (352) 583-3545.
• A family fishing event at Lake Walk Park in Eustis cosponsored by the city, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration suggested. Contact - John Benton (352)742-6438.
• Tenoroc Fish Management Area near Lakeland will host a kids fishing event with free bait, refreshments and prizes. Contact - Danon Moxley (863) 499-2421.
• Northeast Region fisheries staff will conduct a fishing event at Tuscawilla Pond in Ocala. Loaner cane poles, bait, door prizes, games, touch tank and FWC exhibit trailer. Contact - Sam McKinney (352) 732-1225.
• Everglades (South Region) Urban Pond family event at Tropical Park FMA cosponsored by Dade County Parks. 8:30 a.m. to noon. Fishing equipment and bait provided along with raffle prizes. Volunteers will aid with tackle maintenance, and assist with fishing techniques. Contact - John Cimbaro (561) 625-5122, or Tropical Park (305) 226-8315.
• Fish Orlando! event at Turkey Lake Park, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The City of Orlando, Z-99.3 FM, Bass Pro Shops and Travel Country Outdoors will participate as sponsors. There will be free kayaking, canoeing and pontoon-boat rides, a fishing simulator, fishing seminars, knot tying instructions, face painting and more. Around 2,500 people are expected at this event. Contact - Jim Sweatman (407) 317-7329.
• Non-Native Fish Lab, Boca Raton - open house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Staff will handle questions, live exotic fish display. Contact - Murray Stanford (561) 391-6409.
• The South Region along with Collier County is sponsoring an event at Lake Trafford, near Immokalee. The event will be from 8 a.m. to noon with volunteers to assist first time anglers and raffle prizes throughout the event. Parents are encouraged to come out with their kids, and the FWC will have a limited number of rods available (about 40) for those who may not have equipment. Bait will be provided, and families will be able to keep all legal fish they catch if they so desire. There will be no competition for largest or most fish caught. Additionally, the parks department will provide other games and activities after 10 a.m., along with clowns and possibly a bouncing house for kids. Contact Frank Morello (561) 625-5122.
• The Gainesville Fisheries Lab is also planning an event. Contact - Bob Hujik (352) 392-9617.