National Fishing & Boating Week History
The United States is a country of beautiful geology that is full of vast lakes, winding rivers, and trickling creeks. For thousands of years Native Americans relied on these waterways for fishing, and hundreds of years later we fish for leisure on the same land. This line of thought highlights the uniquely beautiful and historically rich pastime of fishing which has been enjoyed by countless generations across nearly every nation and culture. That’s why in 2002 former President George W. Bush proclaimed June 2nd - 8th to be National Fishing and Boating Week, an official U.S. holiday. The upcoming first week of June is the prime opportunity for seasoned anglers, and first timers alike, to celebrate and learn about one of history's most ubiquitous practices. With free fishing days (no fishing license required) popping up in nearly every state over the month of June and beyond there is no better time to get out on the water with friends and family!
When is Free Fishing Day In Your State?
Please Remember that each state has different regulations and requirements regarding their free fishing days. Major circumstances will be noted below, though make sure to contact your local wildlife department to inquire about free fishing day stipulations.
Alabama: June 8, 2024
Note that, “State Public Fishing Lakes still require a fishing permit on Free Fishing Day, and fishing in a private pond requires the pond owner’s permission. Some piers may also require fees and permits.”, according to Outdoor Alabama.
Note that these are free license days, not free fishing days. You may fish for free but you still have to obtain a free one day license from the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection which can be found here. So plan ahead!
Note that, “Anglers age 16 and older must still obtain a free FIN number to participate in the free fishing days.”, according to eRegulations. FIN numbers can be obtained here.
Florida: June 8 - 9, 2024 (Freshwater Fishing Only ) and September 7, 2024/ November 30, 2024 (Saltwater Fishing Only) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Hawaii: The State of Hawaii actually doesn’t require a fishing license to fish! So long as you don’t sell your catch. Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources
Even residents from other states can take advantage of this date!
Minnesota: Although Minnesota doesn't have a free fishing day, residents can fish in most state parks year-round. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Note that county and city mandated permits may still apply so check with your residential government about restrictions.
In Nebraska this date also permits free state park entry!
New Mexico: Dates Not Announced
New York: June 29 - 30, 2024, September 28, 2024, and November 11, 2024 (All Freshwater Only) New York State Website
Rhode Island: May 4 - 5, 2024 (Freshwater Only, Saltwater days have not been announced)
South Dakota: Dates already passed
What Do You Need For National Fishing Week?
Basic Needs: If you’re a first time angler and you don’t have a buddy to show you the ropes, fishing can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! To start, check in with your local fishing shops as many of them offer rod rentals so you don’t have to break the bank! The fishing community is very communal in nature so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask about the fish in the area you intend to fish and learn about what bait and hook size you might need. You will also need to learn about the conditions of release in your local area.
Ruler & Needle Nose Pliers: Regardless of the release conditions it is likely you will catch a fish that you cannot keep. Most states and areas have size and species restrictions so you will need a tool to measure your catch, as well as a pair of needle nose pliers to ensure a safe and harm reductive manner of hook removal.
Cooler: You will need a cooler or other container to keep your catches in. A cooler works best as you can fill it with ice or water. This is important as you want to keep the fish cooled or alive from the time you catch it to the time you are able to store it in a fridge or freezer.
Shoes: You will want a pair of shoes you can get wet and dirty!
Snacks: Be sure to bring out some snacks and drinks as you might be at the water for an extended period of time.
Chair: Although it is not necessary, a chair can make your experience much more enjoyable. Standing the entire time can get tiring and you might be out there for a while. It’s called “fishing”, not “catching” for a reason!
Speaker: Fishing can be a quiet relaxing venture and an opportunity to take in the sounds of nature. Though, after a few hours you might want to get your favorite music going!
OTR Mobile Titan: Whether you’re at the river, or out on the boat, the OTR Titan is the ultimate mobile Wi-Fi hotspot that will cover all of your marine internet needs! Even out in the boonies the Titan will connect you to the strongest local network to ensure that you have the best possible boat internet wherever you go. You can use it to keep the tunes bumping or keep the kids entertained! Boasting 16 - 24 hours of rechargeable battery life the Titan will get you through the whole day. It also supports up to 10 devices at once so you can keep the whole team connected while you stay On The Reel! For all those interested in boat wifi, for a limited time during national fishing and boating week use code “FishFest” for $50 off a Titan mobile purchase!
OTR Fishing Competition (On The Reel FishFest)
Here at OTR Mobile we like to work hard, but we like to play even harder; and what better way to unwind after a long week than hitting your favorite fishing spot with friends and family. That’s why we're so excited to announce our competition for the 2024 National Fishing and Boating Week! Whether you're swinging flies in your local creek or casting off at the lake, you have the chance to win big at OTR Mobile with your catch! To enter for the chance to win $100, simply take and post a photo of your largest catch next to a Titan Mobile and at us! Whoever has the largest catch by Friday, June 7th, will be awarded the prize money alongside a featured spot in our newsletter!
OTR will keep you online while you stay On The Reel!
