Get a Taste for Angling With Free Fishing Days
Our ancient ancestors fished primarily to eat—but it’s hard to imagine they didn’t also enjoy it. From then until now, people just seem eager to plop a line into the nearest body of water.
And, why not? Besides the potential for a tasty meal, fishing offers a lot of other perks–mainly because it puts you smack dab outdoors in the fresh air. Just soaking in a little sunlight is equivalent to taking a Vitamin D supplement for your immune system and overall health.
The act of fishing also benefits your mind and mood. You might call it a form of meditation—the rhythm of casting a line and reeling it in relaxes and de-stresses you.
That’s what most old hands love about fishing: the sun and wind, the lapping of the water, and the whirr of the reel all serve as a tonic for the soul, helping you see life more clearly. And when you hit the hay after a day of fishing, chances are you’ll sleep better too.
No wonder people love fishing—not just for the sustenance it can provide, but also for the sheer joy of it.
But for one reason or another, some missed out on the fishing experience earlier in their lives. It might be someone you know: a friend, a co-worker, or a family member. It might even be you.
Perhaps there’s also a twinge of regret over never having cast a line—and a new desire to make up for it. All of a sudden, you have the “itch” —and penchant for daydreaming about reeling in a whopper.
Unfortunately, there’s a learning curve for anyone new to fishing. You’ll need equipment, even if it’s the bare minimum. It also helps to have a mentor along for the first few times, a seasoned salt to guide you as you explore this new world of fishing.
And, here in the good, old USA, you’ll need something else: a fishing license. Depending on where you choose to fish, that could cost anywhere from $10 to over $60 a year. Unless you’re exempt, not having one could prove costly in fines.
If you’re a regular angler, a license is small potatoes compared to all your other fishing expenses. It’s different, though, for someone who’d like to give fishing a try, but still not sure it’s for them. If you live in Tennessee, that one-time whirl could cost you $50—pretty pricey for a try-out!
There is a way, though, to try fishing without first purchasing a permission slip: Every U.S. state offers Free Fishing Days, one or more times a year when anyone can fish without a license (even out-of-staters). For instance, you can fish license-free on July 4th in North Carolina, and Georgia offers three days this year: June 1, June 8, and September 28.
Tennessee does it even better: While most states offer from one to four license-free fishing days a year, you can fish for nine days without a license in the Volunteer State, this year from June 8th through June 16th.
The license waiver, though, doesn’t extend to a state’s other fishing regulations—you’ll still have to abide by those even on a free fishing day. If you’re not familiar with your state’s rules, you can find their fish and wildlife website through this handy online directory.
So, get your reels relined, your lures in order, and your boat fueled for a fantastic day of casting and (hopefully) catching. And while you’re at it, take along your favorite newbie and introduce them to one of life’s greatest pastimes.