Free Fishing Day in New York Set for Veterans Day

When New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the 2023 schedule for Free Freshwater Fishing Days in New York, November 11, Veterans Day, was one of the designated days.

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What this means is that on Saturday, November 11, anyone in the state can cast their line without the need for a fishing license. It's a great opportunity for both seasoned anglers and beginners to try their luck in the waters of New York.

NY Fishing License Requirement Waived

During Free Fishing Days, the requirement for a freshwater fishing license is temporarily waived. This allows people of all ages to participate without any financial barriers of having to pay for a fishing license.

New York Resources for Fishing Enthusiasts

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provides various resources to help individuals make the most of their fishing experience. The "I FISH NY Beginners Guide to Freshwater Fishing" is an excellent starting point for those new to fishing. It covers everything from the basics of rigging up a fishing rod to identifying different fish species and understanding fishing regulations.

The DEC's Places to Fish websites also serve as reliable sources of information when planning a fishing trip. Recently, DEC introduced a new feature within their official app, HuntFishNY, called The Tackle Box. This feature provides fishing regulations, boating access details, and stocking information within a map-based interface that can be accessed conveniently through a smartphone.

Learn to Fish Opportunities

In addition to Free Fishing Days, the DEC organizes free fishing clinics approved by the department. These clinics offer aspiring anglers the chance to learn fishing techniques and best practices from experienced instructors. The DEC website provides a list of scheduled events, which is regularly updated with new opportunities throughout the year.

Important Reminders About NYS Free Fishing Day

While the need for a freshwater fishing license is waived on Free Fishing Days, it's essential to remember that all other fishing regulations remain in effect. What this means is that participants must follow size, bag, and catch limits and follow any specific guidelines for the water bodies they are fishing in. Also, it’s important to remember that anyone 16 or older is required to have a valid fishing license on days other than Free Fishing Days.