NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

May 22, 1998

CONTACT: Mark A. Trainor (850) 488-4676

FREE FISHING DAYS CAP NATIONAL FISHING WEEK

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has designated June 6 and 7 as Free Fishing Weekend in Florida. The free fishing weekend highlights National Fishing Week May 30 -June 7.

During the free fishing period, anyone, including non-residents, can sport-fish in any public freshwater lake or river in Florida without a fishing license.

"The free fishing weekend provides anglers an opportunity to experience Florida's extraordinary 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."

Gov. Lawton Chiles urged Floridians to participate in the free fishing weekend in a proclamation designating May 30 - June 7 "Fishing Week in Florida."

During the free fishing period all other fishing laws and regulations will remain in effect. A copy of the Florida Fresh- water Sport Fishing Guide and Regulations Summary is available free from any fishing license vendor or FWC office.

In 1989, the Florida Legislature authorized the FWC to designate two days each year as free fishing days. Since then, the FWC has set aside two days during National Fishing Week as a free fishing weekend.

For information about local fishing opportunities and activities during National Fishing Week, contact the regional office of the FWC or check out the National Fishing Week home page at http://www.gofishing.org. The FWC provides "all you need to know about freshwater fishing in Florida" on the internet at for up-to-date fishing regulations and information.