TAMPA, Fla. — Calling all anglers and fishing enthusiasts — this weekend is your chance to get on the water and fish without worrying about a fishing license.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Saturday following Thanksgiving is one of several license-free saltwater fishing days here in Florida. This year, it falls on Nov. 30.
On license-free fishing days, anyone who wants to fish or take someone without a license fishing can without the normally-required Florida fishing license.
Now, this doesn't mean you can do whatever you want; the FWC says, "All other rules such as seasons, bag and size limits apply."
Also, the Nov. 30 license-free fishing day only applies to saltwater fishing; anyone who wants to fish in freshwater will need their license.
However, the saltwater waiver does apply to any "recreational harvest" that requires that kind of fishing license, including crabbing, lobstering and scalloping; plus, this works for people fishing from shore or a boat. Snook and spiny lobster permits are also not required for license-free saltwater fishing days.
The license-free saltwater fishing days include the following:
- First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June
- First Saturday in September
- Saturday following Thanksgiving
For freshwater anglers, license-free days are the following:
- First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April
- Second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June
