Floridians and nonresidents, who come to Florida for our great fishing, receive one of the best recreational bargains anywhere. On April 7th and 8th, you can do even better and join in the freshwater fishing fun for FREE. The state Legislature authorizes the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to allow anglers to fish without a license to sample our recreational fisheries one weekend each year. Anglers must still abide by all other fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions and no trespass areas. Please note, anglers still need a license (or normal exemption) to fish in Florida's salt waters.

The FWC then goes one better, and not only allows you to fish for free, but also puts on a number of free freshwater fishing events statewide. These events are typically tailored to the novice angler and to families. Many include free bait, some loaner fishing rods, refreshments and basic training to get you started. (See our online event calendar for updates)

Currently scheduled special events for Saturday, 7 April 2001 include:

• Blackwater Fisheries Center at Holt. Annual Kids Fishing Day for children ages 13 and under. Pre-registration is required; call after 17 March 2001. A similar event is on Mar 31st and focuses on facilitated fishing in a heavily 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 facilitated fishing in a heavily 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 facilitated youth fishing event, in heavily stocked ponds. Contact-Chuck Starling (352) 583-3545.
• A family fishing event in Eustis at Lake Walk Park cosponsored by the city, from 9:00 to 1:00. Pre-registration suggested. Contact- John Benton (352) 742-6438.
• Tenoroc kids fishing event, with free bait, refreshments and prizes. Contact-Danon Moxley (863) 499-2421.
• Northeast Region 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 to 12:00. 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.
• The South Region along with Collier County is sponsoring an event at Lake Trafford, near Immokalee. The event will be from 0800 to 1200 with volunteers to assist first time anglers and raffle prizes througout the event. Parents are encouraged to come out with their kids and we 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 allowed 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 10:00, along with clowns and possibly a bouncing house for kids. They are also lining up non-profit group vendors to provide food and drink. Contact Tim Roettiger  Morello (561) 625-5122.
• Non-Native Fish Lab, Boca Raton, open house from 0900 to 1300. Staff will handle questions, live exotic fish display. Contact-Murray Stanford (561) 391-6409.
• Fish Orlando! event at Turkey Lake Park, from 9:00 to 3:00. The City of Orlando, Z88.3 FM, Bass Pro Shops and Travel Country Outdoors will participate as sponsors. There will be fishing seminars, a fishing simulator, free kayaking, canoeing and pontoon boat rides, knot tying instructions, face painting and more. Around 3,500 people are expected at this event. Contact-Jim Sweatman 407/317-7329.
• The Gainesville Fisheries Lab is also planning an event at the University of Florida, along with the "Fishing for Success" program, from 9 until noon. There will be some rods and reels available, free bait, fish and invertebrate displays. Goody bags for kids. Contact-Bob Hujik (352) 392-9617.

Fishing is a traditional family activity that provides quality time, where you can sit back and relax, and more importantly reconnect with your family and friends while you are waiting for the next fish to strike your lure. Whatever your motivation, Free Fishing Weekend will give you a chance to try out some of the finest fishing in the world. If you like it, buying a license is simple. An annual resident license only costs $14 and can be bought over the phone (1-888-FISH-FLOrida), at bait shops, tax collector's offices, or on the Internet (www.state.fl.us/fwc/fishing/license.html).
TOURNAMENT SETS NEW RECORDS

The winning weight for the four-day BASSMASTER Top 150 Tournament on Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee was an amazing 108 lbs, 12 ozs of bass, shattering the organizations previous high mark of 91 lbs, 3 ozs, by over 17 1/2 lbs. A one-day record of 45 lbs, 2 ozs was also set for a five-fish bag.

The work that enabled this to take place began in 1992 when the FWC instituted new regulations and policies to return the state's inland fisheries to their previous greatness. The FWC's practice of restoring littoral habitat, and replacing noxious weed growth with desirable, productive aquatic plant species has had a tremendous impact on the quality of Florida lakes. As a result, anglers can expect many years of quality fishing from Florida's fisheries.

"This is a tribute to a courageous and aggressive restoration project...and the FWC should be commended for their efforts," said B.A.S.S. Conservation Director Bruce Shupp.