For Release: Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Free Sport Fishing Clinics Designated for May 16
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional Director Judy Drabicki today announced the designation of two Free Sport Fishing Clinics in the North Country this spring. As a way to encourage recreational fishing in the state, DEC designates a number of free sport fishing clinics each year in local communities where children and adults who don't currently possess a fishing license can experience the sport of fishing for a day.
"New York State offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the country and free fishing clinics are a wonderful way for people to learn about this popular sport and enjoy a day in the great outdoors," Drabicki said. The scheduled free events are:
- The Massena Joint Recreation Commission's tenth annual Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday, May 16. The event will take place at the Wilson Hill Causeway/Boat Launch area in the Town of Louisville, St. Lawrence County. The Youth Fishing Derby will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include two age divisions for boys and girls ages 5 to 9 and 10 to 15 years old. Fishing for the derby will be from shore using only worms. Awards will be given for heaviest, live, in-season fish. Registration is free and will take place on-site the morning of the derby, starting at 9:30 a.m. Hot dogs and soda will be provided for registered anglers. Door prize drawings will also take place at the end of the event. For more information, please call the Massena Recreation Department at 315-769-3161.
- A Sport Fishing Clinic on the grounds of Fort Drum, Jefferson County, also on Saturday, May 16. This clinic is open to all civilians and military personnel that have U.S. Department of Defense ID cards. Contact Raymond Rainbolt in the Fort Drum Environmental Division for more information at 315-772-9636.
A valid New York State fishing license is required for everyone 16 years old and older to fish in New York State waters, except during these designated free clinics, or on the statewide designated free fishing weekend June 27 and 28, 2009.
More information about fishing clinics and fishing in New York State is available on DEC's web site at http://www.dec.ny.gov.
