Florida - Tuesday March 28, 2023: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is inviting residents and visitors to go freshwater fishing during the two license-free days this weekend, April 1-2.
License-free freshwater fishing days provide an excellent opportunity for those new to fishing without needing to first purchase a license. On these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers, including residents and non-residents. All other rules including seasons, bag and size limits still apply.
FWC is hosting two free freshwater fishing events this weekend at these locations:
1. Florida Bass Conservation Center Youth Fishing Derby
Where: Florida Bass Conservation Center located at 3583 CR 788 in Webster
When: Saturday, April 1, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
2. The Tenoroc Youth Fishing Derby
Where: Tenoroc Public Use Area located at 3829 Tenoroc Mine Road in Lakeland
When: Saturday, April 1, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
*Registration is required for youth participation at this event. To preregister, call the FWC at 863-648-3200 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Pre-registration will end on Friday, March 31, at 5 p.m.
If you are new to fishing, visit FWC's Learn to Fish webpage for information on what you need to bring and where to go.
Fish all year by getting a Florida fishing license at: GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
For more information on freshwater fishing, visit the FWC Freshwater Fishing webpage at: MyFWC.com.