Keep Florida Fishing is urging Florida anglers to take advantage of the upcoming license-free saltwater fishing day on Saturday.
On that day state residents and visitors can enjoy recreational fishing in state saltwater fisheries without having to purchase a license. The license-free fishing day coincides with the last four days of this year’s Gulf red snapper season in state and federal waters, which takes place from Friday through Sept. 4.
Eight total license-free fishing days are approved by Gov. Rick Scott and offered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission each year.
“Florida’s upcoming license-free fishing day is a chance for parents without a license to introduce their kids to sportfishing and for experienced anglers to share their passion for fishing with a friend who may not yet have a license,” Keep Florida Fishing director Gary Jennings said in a statement.
“Thank you to Gov. Scott and the FWC for their commitment to providing ways for young people and novice anglers to get outside, get active and discover a love for fishing,” he said.
“With license-free fishing falling on the last few days of Gulf red snapper season and a holiday weekend, it’s a wonderful time for anglers to experience Florida’s iconic saltwater fisheries. We look forward to the economic benefit that this will have on our state’s coastal economies,” said Kellie Ralston, director of Florida fishery policy for the American Sportfishing Association.
According to the FWC website, “On these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers (residents and non-residents). All other rules (e.g., seasons, bag and size limits) apply.”
Florida has more than 3 million anglers who generate $9.6 billion in economic impact, support more than 128,000 jobs and contribute $53.3 million to state conservation efforts through license fees and special taxes on motorboat fuel and equipment, the group said.
