Last year, New York State added President’s Weekend and Veterans Day to the existing June free fishing weekend, allowing guests and residents to enjoy angling on the any of the state’s numerous lakes, waters and streams.

Typically, a  one-day fishing license for New York State is $5 for residents, and $10 for non-residents – an inexpensive option for the infrequent angler. Other licensing options range from a full week to a year, and priced accordingly.

According to DEC Acting Chief of Fisheries Ed Woltman, the addition of more free fishing days is great way to get children and families involved in the sport. Woltman says research indicates that 90% of adults fished as a child.

“If we want people to be involved in the sport we need to get them involved at an early age,” says Woltman. “If people like to fish they will care about the body of water the fish comes from. They will become better stewards.”

Woltman feels that these free fishing weekends also are a great way to connect people to other outdoor sports like mountain biking and camping.

“Besides that ability to get people outside to try something, free fishing days can show all the resources available,” says Woltman. “People can see various places being utilized by kids and they will have a positive outlook about these areas. It gives non-angler the chance to develop a different perspective.”

“We don’t keep track of how many people utilize the free fishing days, but we do know it encourages people that love the sport to introduce other people to it This Friday is the last free fishing day in 2016.”

Veterans Day, November 11, is the last free fishing day for the 2016 season. All residents and visitors to New York State do not require a fishing license on that particular day. Of course, the fish still needs to be in season. I hope you catch the big one.

Photo: fishing pier at DEC’s Eighth Lake Campground (DEC photo).