DEEP offers free fishing day next Saturday

12 yr ols Mike Schirmer of N.F., right, measures a 15 " Rainbow trout that 5 yr old John Borchert of Newtown, left caught in the Fishing Derby. 12 yr ols Mike Schirmer of N.F., right, measures a 15 " Rainbow trout that 5 yr old John Borchert of Newtown, left caught in the Fishing Derby. Photo: Michael Duffy\file Photo / Michael Duffy\file Photo Photo: Michael Duffy\file Photo / Michael Duffy\file Photo Image 1 of / 18 Caption Close DEEP offers free fishing day next Saturday 1 / 18 Back to Gallery

Want to give fishing another try? Maybe, take your kid or grandchild?

Well, here’s your chance: A day when you don’t need a fishing license. That’s because the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has designated next Saturday – Aug. 15 – as a “Free Fishing License Day.”

To fish on that day, anyone - resident or non-resident - can obtain a free one-day fishing license good for both the inland and marine districts through the DEEP online sportsmen licensing system (www.ct.gov/deep/sportsmenlicensing) or at any place that sells fishing licenses.

The designated “Free Fishing License” day is one of DEEP’s initiatives designed to connect people with outdoor activities and Connecticut’s natural resources.

“Studies have shown that people who are hesitant about trying fishing often cite the license fee as a primary reason. The intent of Free Fishing License Day is to encourage those considering fishing to give it a try for free,” Susan Whalen, DEEP Deputy Commissioner, said in a release. “We’re confident that as people try fishing, they’ll experience the many benefits fishing offers and will be hooked on the sport.”

“We know that once people try fishing and visit our many lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and Long Island Sound they will be amazed at how much they have been missing. Connecticut has just about every type of fishing within 25 miles of just about every resident,” said Peter Aarrestad, Director of DEEP’s Inland Fisheries Division. “Whether one chooses trout, bass, pike, panfish, or saltwater species like striped bass, fluke, porgy or bluefish, we have it all.”

There are also a number of other fishing opportunities now available for youngsters. For those 16 or 17 years of age, licenses for the entire season are 50 percent off of the regular adult price. Those who are 15 or younger do not need a fishing license but can register using the same online system to obtain a “Youth Fishing Passport.” The “Youth Fishing Passport” provides access to two fishing related activities and a list of sponsors who are offering discounts or free items to passport holders. Visit http://www.ct.gov/deep/yfp for details.

Need to find a place to fish? Check out our listings of Lakes & Ponds, Rivers & Streams, and Coastal Access points in the 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide www.ct.gov/deep/anglersguide and print versions are available at more than 350 locations statewide, including many town halls, bait & tackle shops and other vendors selling outdoor equipment, DEEP facilities, and commercial marinas and campgrounds, or by contacting DEEP’s Inland Fisheries Division (860-424-FISH).

Additional fishing and fisheries related information can be found on the DEEP web site at: www.ct.gov/deep/fishing, and on its social media channels; Facebook at www.facebook.com/ctfishandwildlife and Twitter, https://twitter.com/CTFishingInfo or @CTFishinginfo.