Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : June 3, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Curtis Taylor , Wildlife Resources Section Chief (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

West Virginia Observes National Fishing and Boating Week June 4-12

Free Fishing Weekend June 11-12

  National Fishing and Boating Week in 2005 will be observed June 4 - 12. Here in West Virginia, National Fishing and Boating Week 2005 will be highlighted by the 16th annual Free Fishing Weekend on June 11 and 12, according to Frank Jezioro, Director of the Division of Natural Resources. During these two days, residents and nonresidents can fish in West Virginia without a license.

  The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) participates in a number of activities during National Fishing and Boating Week and the Free Fishing Weekend. Two of the largest and most successful events include the Fishing Derby at Little Beaver State Park in Raleigh County Saturday, June 4, and the Bowden Fishing Derby at the Bowden Hatchery in Randolph County Saturday, June 11. Children receive basic fishing instruction and will get the opportunity to enjoy time fishing with friends and family. There are other fishing events planned across the state. Contact the DNR district office closest to you for more information.

  “It is a great opportunity to remind people of the fun of fishing, especially with family and friends,” said Jezioro. “If you already have a license, take someone fishing. It may be your children, spouse, or co-worker and introduce them to a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment.”

  The National Fishing and Boating Week concept began as a promotional activity sponsored by the sportfishing industry. With the hope of increasing tackle sales, the industry promoted fishing around Father's Day. The recreational boating industry partnered with its sportfishing counterparts to develop an effective educational campaign. From those beginnings, National Fishing and Boating Week has evolved into one of the largest private/public partnerships in existence. The sportfishing and boating industries, fishing organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies are working together to bring the message home that fishing is great fun and will help ensure future healthy aquatic ecosystems.

**DNR**