Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : May 24, 2006

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Bret Preston, Wildlife Resources Section (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

National Fishing and Boating Week June 3-11

WV Free Fishing Weekend June 10-11

  National Fishing and Boating Week will be observed June 3 – 11, 2006 . In West Virginia , National Fishing and Boating Week will be highlighted by the 17 th annual Free Fishing Weekend on June 10 and 11, 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.

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

  The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources hosts a number of activities during National Fishing and Boating Week and the Free Fishing Weekend. Two of the largest and most successful events are the Bowden Fishing Derby held at the Bowden Hatchery in Randolph County and the Fishing Derby at Little Beaver State Park in Raleigh County . Both of these events will be held on June 10. Children receive basic fishing instruction and get the opportunity to enjoy time fishing with friends and family. Contact the DNR district office closest to you for more information on other fishing events planned across the state.

  Actress Jane Seymour will serve as Honorary Chairperson of National Fishing and Boating Week. “I know fishing has had a positive effect on my family and I would not trade anything for the time I spend with my husband and children fishing and boating,” she said.

  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**