Wednesday, June 2, 2004

Fish free during National Fishing and Boating Week

Spending time with family and friends is one of the most important reasons people participate in boating and fishing, according to research by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation(RBFF). The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) encourages people of all ages to re-connect with their family during National Fishing and Boating Week (NFBW), June 5-13.

“Outdoor recreation strengthens the family as a unit and children as individuals,” says WRD Chief of Fisheries Management Chuck Coomer.

“National Fishing and Boating Week is an opportunity to remind all outdoor enthusiasts to teach their children and others the importance of natural resource conservation while introducing them to a sport that could last a lifetime.”

NFBW began in 1979 as National Fishing Week and was created to recognize the tradition of fishing, to broaden the spirit of togetherness and to share the values and knowledge of today’s anglers with tomorrow's anglers. In the spirit of introducing new family members or friends to the sport of angling, Georgia offers two free fishing days during NFBW - June 5 and June 12. Both are on Saturday. On these days, Georgia residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license. Residents can fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA).

Additionally, residents do not need to obtain a WMA license to fish on a PFA or on Waters Creek on these two free fishing days.

In addition to the two free fishing days, there are numerous kids fishing events scheduled across the state during this week to help introduce children to fishing. These events offer a healthy form of entertainment for kids and are an excellent opportunity for beginning anglers to experience the vast rewards of recreational fishing. Kids Fishiing Events are free, held statewide and have experienced volunteers on hand to help.

A recent national survey indicated that 87 percent of Americans believe fishing and boating have a positive effect on family relationships. So take your family fishing and you will always have something in common.

For more information on free fishing days, finding the nearest Kids Fishiing Event or finding a place to fish, visit the WRD website at www.gofishgeorgia.com.