HARRISBURG PA – On Independence Day, as many families and friends gather to celebrate the holiday and spend time outdoors, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has declared July 4 (2024; Thursday) as “Fish-for-Free Day.”
No fishing license is needed for anglers in public waters Thursday from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. All other state regulations apply, however, including season and creel limits. They are available online, and also are part of the commission’s FishBoatPA mobile app.
Need to borrow a rod and reel? No problem. The commission offers a fishing tackle loaner program at dozens of locations across the Commonwealth, including many popular state parks. See its map online.
“This equipment is borrowed in much the same way books are borrowed from a library,” the state explains. “Those wanting to borrow gear complete a form and the loan is made. At the end of the loan period the equipment is returned to the site.” The program was created in partnerships between the commission, the American Sportfishing Association, and other sponsors.
Remember, safety first
During the extended Independence Day holiday weekend, and throughout the summer, the commission reminds those fishing from boats to follow its basic safety checklist. Boaters should:
- Always wear a life jacket;
- Have a float plan to let others know when and where they’ll be boating;
- Check the weather forecast;
- Have proper registrations and launch permits; and
- Never use a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Be aware that, during Independence weekend and the rest of the summer, waterway conservation officers designated by the commission will be working to keep impaired boaters off the water.
In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to operate any watercraft, powered or unpowered, while impaired. The blood alcohol limit for boat operators is .08% Officers are trained to recognize signs of impairment, and conduct sobriety tests on the water. Penalties for boating under the influence include fines, the loss of boating privileges, and jail time.
Conservation officer photo by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Top photo in collaboration with Getty Images on Unsplash+,
used by Travels With The Post under license
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