Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- No fishing license? No problem, says the Department of Environmental Management.

The DEM said that any Rhode Islander or visitor lacking a license or a trout stamp will be allowed to fish in fresh water on Saturday and Sunday. No license is needed for salt-water angling.

The agency said the free fishing days will provide an incentive for people to get outdoors and try something new while enjoying their natural surroundings.

No fishing rod? The Coventry and Lincoln libraries have a fishing rod loan program, available through the CLAN network to people throughout the state with library cards. DEM's aquatic education program and the RI Saltwater Anglers Association sponsor the fishing rod loan program.

The free fishing program was established nationally about 18 years ago by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as an opportunity to encourage people to experience new recreational opportunities outdoors, and therefore become more active stewards of the environment.

All usual regulations on size and limits apply during the two free fishing days. Information about size and limits can be obtained at bait and tackle shops, or by calling DEM's Great Swamp Field Office at 401-789-0281. The regulations and a list of stocked ponds can be found at the DEM's Web site.

 Tags  coventry R.I. Department of Environmental Management

Comments

Joe said:

Just wondering... why do you ever need a license?

If the state really wanted to get people to go outdoors and enjoy nature, they'd do away with this nonsensical red-tape!

Link | June 5, 2009 12:54 PM
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JD said:

Joe

They need you to buy a license to pay the game wardens to go after the people fishing without a license. In reality the fishing license fee does go towards DEM game wardens and the trout stamp fee offsets the cost of the hatchery.

Link | June 5, 2009 2:03 PM
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Knorman said:

The Licenses are required to help pay for the state fisheries to be able to stock trout and other fish.

Link | June 5, 2009 2:24 PM
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