Family Fishing Festivals Scheduled at Six Locations Labor Day Weekend

Harrisburg, PA – Looking for a way for you and your family to enjoy the Labor Day holiday weekend? The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has two opportunities on that weekend for you and your family to “catch” the fun of fishing.

On Saturday, Sept. 3, the PFBC will host Family Fishing Festivals at six locations in Pennsylvania. And on Labor Day, Monday Sept. 5, it’s the Commission’s second Fish-for-Free Day for 2011. This day allows anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish with no fishing license required on all Pennsylvania’s waterways on this day. All other fishing regulations still apply.

“The Family Fishing Festivals are free educational events designed for families with little or no fishing experience,” said Carl Richardson, PFBC manager of Education and Outreach. “Participating families will learn basic fishing skills and have an opportunity to practice those skills while fishing together during the program.”

The festivals will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at six locations, one in each PFBC region, in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks.

The festivals include:

• NW Region: Pymatuning State Park, Linesville, Crawford County (Info / Registration)
• SW Region: Raccoon Creek State Park, Hookstown, Beaver County (Info / Registration)
• NC Region: Hills Creek State Park, Wellsboro, Tioga County (Info / Registration)
• SC Region: Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Gardners, Cumberland County (Info / Registration)
• NE Region: Frances Slocum State Park, Wyoming, Luzerne County (Info / Registration)
• SE Region: Marsh Creek State Park, Downingtown, Chester County (Info / Registration)

The fishing license requirement is waived for registered festival participants 16 and older. The program is open to all ages. However, the program is designed for children ages 5 and older.  All equipment, bait and tackle will be provided.

Space is limited at the event, so pre-registration is required. Deadline for registration is Aug. 31, and there will be no registration taken the day of the event. Visit fishandboat.com/fishforfree.htm to register and learn more about these events and Labor Day’s Fish-for-Free Day. Don’t forget that Monday Sept. 5, is Fish-for-Free Day on all Pennsylvania’s waterways.

The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at fishandboat.com.