State offers free fishing license for Father’s Day

Jose Baez, left, and Midoel Felix, of Bridgeport, disembark the water taxi service for a day of fishing at Pleasure Beach in Bridgeport, Conn. on Sunday, May 24, 2015. The service to the beach began operation this weekend for the 2015 season. less Jose Baez, left, and Midoel Felix, of Bridgeport, disembark the water taxi service for a day of fishing at Pleasure Beach in Bridgeport, Conn. on Sunday, May 24, 2015. The service to the beach began operation ... more Photo: Brian A. Pounds / Brian A. Pounds Photo: Brian A. Pounds / Brian A. Pounds Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close State offers free fishing license for Father’s Day 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

Give a man a fish and feed him for a day, the old saying goes.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Proection has a new take on it: Give him a free fishing license for Father’s Day and provide a day of fun for the whole family.

The DEEP has designated Father’s Day, this Sunday, as the first of two “Free Fishing License” days scheduled for 2015. A second “Free Fishing License Day” is scheduled for Saturday, August 15.

To fish legally in Connecticut, anyone 16 years of age or older must obtain a fishing license, said Dennis Schain, the state DEEP spokesman. The department can designate up to two dates each summer to issue free fishing licenses, he said.

“To fish on these days, anyone, resident or non-resident, can obtain a free, one-day fishing license, good for both the inland and marine districts,’’ Schain said.

The free license to fish on this Sunday is now available and the license for August 15 will be available on July 25, three weeks prior to the second “Free Fishing License Day.”

These licenses can be obtained through the DEEP On-Line Licensing site or at any bait store, dock, marina or other venue that sells fishing licenses.

“Studies have shown that people who are hesitant about trying fishing often cite the license fee as a primary reason. The intent of each Free Fishing License Day is to encourage anyone who is considering taking up fishing, but is unwilling to make the commitment to purchase a license, to give fishing a try,” said Susan Whalen, the DEEP deputy commissioner. “We’re confident that as people try fishing, they’ll experience the many benefits fishing offers and will be hooked on the sport.”

Peter Aarrestad, director of DEEP’s Inland Fisheries Division, said Connecticut has just about every type of fishing within 25 miles of nearly every resident. “Whether one chooses trout, bass, pike, panfish, or saltwater species like striped bass, fluke, porgy or bluefish, we have it all.”

This day also provides families the opportunity to plan a family outing focused around fishing together, as each family member 16 years of age or older can obtain a free one-day fishing license. Residents aged 15 or younger do not need a license to fish.

The DEEP’s complete Fishing Guide can be found on line.