O’Brien Outdoors: Take Someone Fishing on Fish-for-Free Day

The Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start to summer. Although nighttime temperatures can drop quickly back to uncomfortable levels, a late morning shower of sunshine will once again warm the air and lift the angler’s spirit for a fruitful day on the water.

Spring now starts to merge silently into summer, frequently with little notice. Picnics, get-togethers, and fishing with family and friends surround this start to the sunny season.

Each year the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) designates two Fish-For-Free Days. Started back in 1984, the PFBC set aside a free fishing day, which has since been expanded to two days. This year the days are Mon. May 30 and Mon. Sept. 5.

On these specified days anyone may legally fish for most popular species (those currently in season) in Commonwealth waters. The license requirement is waived for residents and non-residents. Fishing regulations regarding rules and regulations and special regulations including fish sizes, creel limits, and seasons still apply.

Fish-For-Free Days provide an opportunity for experienced anglers to introduce or reacquaint a friend, relative, or business associate to fishing. Avid anglers are so often guilty of touting the attractions of fishing. Now is a chance to show it. Hopefully this firsthand baptism will reinforce the benefits of fishing to those new to the sport. Fishing offers separation from the confusing mass of irrelevant matters that tend to absorb our lives, all the while solidifying family relationships or deepening friendships.

The upcoming free fishing days are also a wonderful opportunity to introduce a child to the sport, possibly establishing the foundation of a lifelong avocation. Being in the woods and along the water helps give youngsters a better understanding of the natural world around us. Fishing not only provides great fun, but also spreads smiles across the faces of all participants, young and old alike.

Every year more than 50 million Americans participate in fishing and boating- more people than play golf and tennis combined. Participation not only connects people with nature, it also helps fund the management and conservation of local aquatic environments. So getting people involved is important, especially young people who will hopefully become future environmentalists and conservationists.

Most states across the Nation offer free fishing days, usually in conjunction with National Fishing&Boating Week. Communities across the country will host fishing and boating events designed to give families the opportunity to participate in these great pastimes.

On the local scene fishing fun can be enjoyed at the Sixth Annual Cane Pole Derby sponsored by The Rose Valley/Mill Creek Watershed Association. This catch-and-release event will be held Monday, May 30. For more information contact Jerry Zeidler, 435-4506.

The Ninth Annual Children’s Fishing Derby, sponsored by The Lycoming Creek Anglers Club, will be held Saturday, June 4. This event is for children age 13 and younger and will be held at the Sheshequin Campground- Route 14 North at the Marsh Hill Bridge. To learn more about the event contact Sam Caldwell at 322-6098.

Nothing brings people together better than a day of fishing. This is a time for family and friends to reconnect, create new memories, and have fun together on the water. Go Fish- in the great outdoors of Pennsylvania.

Photo caption: Nine-year-old Sean Sebasovich caught this nice smallmouth bass from the Susquehanna River while enjoying some quality time with his dad, Steve.