No license required: Free fishing day May 24, local lawmaker wants more

What’s better than two days a year of free fishing without a license? Four days of free fishing.

State Rep. Bill Kortz, D- Dravosburg, wants to double the number of free fishing days in the state from two to four.

As it stands now, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will hold two free fishing days this year: May 24 and July 4. On those days, anyone can fish legally on Pennsylvania waterways without a license but must obey state fishing regulations.

The Commission has been offering those days to increase fishing opportunities for the public, especially during the holidays, when so many people are outdoors near waterways.

Two free fishing days aren’t enough, according to Kortz.

“Bad weather on either one or both of those days can be disappointing and defeat the purpose of encouraging this safe, fun activity,” said Kortz who is introducing legislation to double the number of free days.

To make the fishing experience more convenient on the free fishing days, people can borrow equipment from dozens of fishing tackle loaner sites across the state. Many of the sites are in state parks, which are a popular place for visitors on the Memorial Day weekend.

To find loaner sites, visit this website.