Georgia Marks National Fishing and Boating Week

State wildlife officials are urging people to get out and fish and boat this week.

June 4 to June 12 is National Fishing and Boating Week, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

National Fishing and Boating Week began in 1979 as National Fishing Week and was created to recognize the tradition of fishing, to broaden the spirit of togetherness and to share the values and knowledge of today’s anglers with tomorrow’s anglers.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division Chief of Fisheries Management John Biagi said that positive connections happen when families get together and enjoy outdoor recreation, such as boating and fishing.

He added that teaching a child to fish, or taking an outing on a boat can help build a conservation ethic, while also introducing an exciting activity everyone can enjoy for life.

The Georgia DNR said that there will be a free fishing day on Saturday, June 11 to help introduce people to fishing.

On Saturday, Georgia residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license in order to fish and residents can fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas. Also, residents do not need to obtain a wildlife management area license to fish on a public fishing area or on Waters Creek on this free fishing day.

For more information on National Fishing and Boating Week and all it has to offer, go online to www.georgiawildlife.com/nfbw.