Sept. 5 is license-free saltwater fishing day

Hailey Heseltine

Riverbend News

If you've been thinking about hopping on the boat and heading out to sea for some fishing, Saturday, Sept. 5, is your chance.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has approved a license-free saltwater fishing day for the first Saturday in September, which means that anyone, regardless of whether they have a fishing license (which would usually be required), can go out and enjoy a day outdoors.

Per FWC's website, on Sept. 5, a license will not be required for recreational harvests, including snook, spiny lobster, crabbing, scalloping and lobstering in addition to basic fishing from shore or boat. Note, however, that bag, season and size limits still apply. View more about the rules and regulations that recreational fishers are required to follow at myfwc.com/about/rules-regulations.

For comparison, a three-day saltwater fishing license for a Florida resident would cost $17. Annual licenses also cost $17 per year for Florida residents and $47 per year for non-residents, though other options are available.

If you can't make it out on the boat Sept. 5, you'll have another opportunity to enjoy a license-free saltwater fishing day before the year is over. According to myfwc.com, the Saturday following Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, is also planned as a license-free holiday. Two similar freshwater events will occur in the spring.

If you're planning to take advantage of the license-free day on Sept. 5, you can learn more about Florida saltwater fishing in preparation for your trip at myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater.