The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is inviting residents and visitors to enjoy one of the state’s most popular outdoor activities without a license on Independence Day.
Officials have declared July 4 as a statewide Fish-for-Free Day.
The PFBC said the day will allow anglers to cast their lines from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. without the usual required fishing license.
Although no license is needed for the day, PFBC officials said that all other regulations, including seasons, size, and creel limits, remain in effect.
Anglers are encouraged to review complete fishing regulations through the FishBoatPA mobile app or the PFBC website.
The Fish-for-Free Day is put on to provide an opportunity for families and friends to enjoy fishing during the holiday celebrations. Officials added that it’s also an excellent chance for beginners to try fishing for the first time.
For those without fishing gear, the PFBC offers a fishing tackle loaner program available at numerous locations across the state, including many state parks. A comprehensive map of these loaner sites can be found online, making it easy for everyone to participate in the day’s festivities.
As the holiday weekend marks a peak time for boating and fishing, the PFBC reminds all boaters to adhere to safety guidelines.
Essential safety measures for boating include wearing a life jacket, having a float plan to inform others of your whereabouts, checking the weather before heading out, ensuring all registrations and launch permits are in order, and refraining from boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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