Free Fishing Days Hook On With Mainers
Mainers love fishing. This weekend they can do it for free.
On Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th, people can fish for free on Maine’s waterways. The free fishing event is open to all anglers except those whose license has been revoked or suspended. All normal fishing laws and regulations apply.
With over 6,000 lakes and ponds and nearly 32,000 miles of rivers and streams, fishing is one of the most popular activities in Maine. Approximately 286,000 people purchase fishing licenses each year and the sport has a $300 million impact on the state’s economy. The free fishing promotion takes place over Valentine’s weekend as the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife continues to promote Family Fishing Days.
Despite the cold weather, many Mainers are expected to take advantage of the free fishing. But with the free fun comes the inherent danger of fishing on the frozen waterways. The following are safety tips that we’d like to share with you to keep you safe and sound while fishing the frigid waters:
- Be sure the ice of a pond or lake is frozen solid and at least six inches thick.
- “Black Ice” is considered the safest kind ice. It is bluish in color, mostly clear, and contains air bubbles. It is also safer than “white ice,” which has been refrozen multiple times while covered with snow. Snow hinders the ability of ice to freeze.
- Ask other fisherman in the area about the quality and thickness of ice. Small bodies of water freeze faster than larger ones.
- Test the ice by drilling a couple holes near the shore where the water isn’t deep. This helps determine the quality and thickness.
- New clear ice is generally stronger than older ice.
- Ice rarely freezes the same throughout a pond or lake. Just because it is thick in one spot doesn’t not mean it will be in another.
- Do not build a fire on the ice.
- Always bring blankets, first-aid and emergency kits, and rope for safety.
- Wrap ice picks around your neck or place them in pockets in the event you fall into the water. They will help pull you back onto the ice.
- Do not drive large vehicles on the ice.
- Never ice fish alone.
Fishing is one of Maine’s favorite pastimes. By following a few simple safety tips, it will continue to be for years to come. And when it’s free for a weekend, other than an extra ten degrees, what more can a Mainer ask for?
For more information on Free Fishing Days and a complete list of fishing regulations, please visit: www.mefishwildlife.com.
