Despite a fishing-unfriendly forecast this weekend, New York State’s latest “Free Fishing Day” event will go forward on Saturday, September 23.
The program, sponsored by the State Department of Environmental Conservation, offers a half-dozen days throughout the year for fishing-interested folks who don’t have a state-managed freshwater fishing license to enjoy the sport.
The event has been ongoing since 1991 and, says the DEC, provides an opportunity for families to get out and go fishing even if, say, only one family member has the requisite freshwater license.
All other DEC regulations are in effect on Free Fishing Days.
In a press release this week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that “fishing is considered one of the most therapeutic outdoor activities, making it an ideal activity for all New Yorkers looking to get outside and enjoy the outdoors,” as she highlighted this late-summer weekend opportunity for families.
But with a Saturday forecast for the Town of Southampton that’s calling for heavy rain and high winds, would-be anglers may more likely be found sitting at home watching reruns of “The Deadliest Catch” than heading to Little Fresh Pond with the family for a chance to hook a largemouth bass.
So why not just reschedule it?
There’s a catch, said DEC spokesman Denis Slattery: Free Fishing Days, he said, “are set in regulation and cannot be rescheduled.”
Free Fishing Days are held the last full weekend in June, the weekend before Presidents Day in February, the fourth Saturday in September (that’s tomorrow), and on Veterans Day, which this year is on Saturday, November 11, and will be the last Free Fishing Day of the year.
The Farmer’s Almanac’s long-range forecast says that on Veteran’s Day this year, “rain showers could dampen parades and celebrations across the eastern part of the country.”
Staff Writer on Sep 22, 2023