Free Fishing Clinic Set for Saturday, June 2 in New York
OutdoorHub 05.29.12
As part of the I FISH NY program, a free fishing clinic will be held at Iroquois Lake in Schenectady’s Central Park on Saturday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today.
“One of the main objectives of the I FISH NY program is to increase angling participation,” DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said. “Providing free fishing clinics in urban areas is a great way to introduce New Yorkers to the sport of fishing.”
A fishing license is not required for free fishing events. Ordinarily, anyone age 16 or older is required to obtain a license when fishing or helping another person to fish. Worms, loaner fishing rods and instruction will be available for all participants. Supplies are limited, so people are encouraged to bring their own equipment if they have it. This event is accessible and available to people of all abilities.
The free fishing clinic is one of four DEC sponsored free fishing clinics authorized for each DEC Region. In addition to the regional free fishing clinics, the weekend of June 23 and 24 is designated as a Free Fishing weekend, where anyone can fish throughout the state without a license. The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to allow all people the opportunity to sample the incredible fishing New York State has to offer.
To further encourage fishing in New York State, in early March Governor Cuomo proposed legislation to expand the opportunity for free fishing clinics, allowing more New Yorkers to experience fishing for the first time by enabling DEC to increase the number of free clinics that can be held throughout the state. New York’s sport fishing industry generates an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity annually, supporting nearly 17,000 jobs.
For more information about the Schenectady event, contact event organizer Joelle Ernst at 518-402-8891. For a list of scheduled fishing events, visit DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27123.html. The website is updated as events are added.
While a DEC fishing license is not required for either the free fishing weekend or regional free fishing events, DEC’s other fishing rules and regulations remain in effect. To learn more about New York’s regulations and information on how and where to obtain a fishing license, go to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html on the DEC website.
