Time Frame
The winter free fishing weekend is in February each year. The weekend is considered all day Saturday and Sunday, and many people are ice fishing at this time.
Time Frame
The summer free fishing weekend in Michigan is held in June each year. For those two days, a Saturday and Sunday, no license is required.
Effects
The free weekend applies to residents of Michigan, as well as non-residents. During the rest of the year, non-residents must purchase a temporary fishing license. All limits on size of fish and number of fish that may be taken still apply during the free weekend. All rules for all bodies of water remain in effect.
Fun Fact
Many fishing clubs, local chambers of commerce and towns offer special clinics-- often free--during the free fishing days to encourage more involvement. The clinics are often aimed at youth, but some are held for all ages.
Significance
The free weekend is designed to encourage young people to take up fishing. There is not as much access to fishing as there once was, and it is not as common as it once was among youth, so state officials hope this will encourage them to give it a try.
Tradition
The free days of fishing have become a tradition in some circles. It is a time for friends and family to gather and enjoy some time together, as well as to fish.
Article Written By James Jordan
James Jordan has been a writer and photographer since 1980. He has worked for newspapers in Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina and Kansas, winning state press association awards for writing, photography and page design. In 1995 he received his master's in Christian education and completed two years of Ancient Greek at the graduate level. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism.
