| Pennsylvania has been offering Fish
for Free Days since
1984 (September 22*), making us one of the first states in the nation to set aside specific dates where
the usual fishing license requirements are waived. Under the Fish and Boat Code (the set of laws the establishes
the Commission's authority) we may designate up to two days as Fish For Free Days. Over the years, we have
scheduled Fish For Free Days at various times. For many years, we offered Fish For Free Days as the back-to-back
Saturday and Sunday of the same weekend. We generally scheduled that weekend in early June as part of National Fishing & Boating
Week.
The downside of offering both days consecutively was that if there is a spate of rain or cold, the bad
weather will ruin both opportunities. In 1996, the Commission decided to move one of the
Fish For Free Days from the spring to the fall. We selected the fourth Saturday in September - National Hunting & Fishing
Day - as our choice. The other day remained in early June as part of National Fishing &
Boating Week.
In 2003 the scheduling was changed again. Both Mother's Day and Father's Day were considered,
as you suggested, as well as the Fourth of July. After a great deal of discussion, we decided to
go with the Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend instead. Fishing is a family oriented activity.
Because Memorial Day is both a traditional time for families to gather and the unofficial
"start" of summertime activities, it seems a natural opportunity to promote angling with a Fish
For Free Day. In keeping with our longstanding practice, we've also kept a Fish For Free Day in
early June. |
