Family events to highlight TP&W free fishing day set for June 2

AUSTIN, Texas - A "Free Sportfishing Day" will highlight National Fishing and Boating Week, allowing anglers to fish any public waters in Texas without a fishing license on Saturday, June 2.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials said the special day in this state, authorized by the Texas Legislature, is intended to promote fishing and encourage people to enjoy the state's fishing resources. Both resident and nonresident recreational anglers will be allowed to fish without a license and will not be required to have special stamps such as the saltwater or freshwater fishing stamps.

The seventh annual National Fishing and Boating Week is June 2-10 with thousands of local events in communities across the country. Events will provide hands-on opportunities for families and friends to share fun, quality time together while learning about two of our nation's favorite pastimes - boating and fishing.

Numerous youth fishing activities are scheduled around the state during National Fishing and Boating Week, including special fishing events in state parks and fish stockings in community lakes. Park entry and facility use fees will still apply for those who wish to fish in state parks. Camping reservations are recommended.

National Fishing and Boating Week is a key component of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation's national awareness campaign, Take Me Fishing. Funded by the federal government's Sport Fish Restoration Program, the non-profit Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation was created to increase participation in fishing and boating and focus attention on the need to protect the nation's aquatic resources.

Similarly, TPWD fisheries and state park officials began the Free Fishing in State Parks program a few years ago to encourage folks to fish and visit state parks. The program, which is currently set to run through August 2008 but may be extended for future years, allows anyone to fish inside a Texas state park without a fishing license.

Texas also offers a wide variety of urban fishing opportunities. Fun fishing can be found on the various lakes and along the banks around some of Texas' metropolitan areas - Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. Shore and bank fishing sites can be found on many small urban lakes, as well as the bays and the Gulf of Mexico. Some sites have public piers and handicap access, and are set up to accommodate large groups, such as at state parks, the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens and Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson.

INFO:

Lake Livingston State Park - Wal-Mart Kids All-American Fishing Derby - Kids of all ages, join us for some fishing fun and maybe win a prize! There will be prizes awarded in different age groups. Attendees should bring their own tackle. 7 a.m.-noon (936) 365-2201.