(Jefferson City, MO) — Missouri’s annual Free Fishing weekend is June 7-8th. No fishing permit will be required for anglers statewide. Missouri Department of Conservation Fisheries Program Specialist Andrew Branson says this weekend could be a good opportunity for those new to fishing to give it a try, before they buy a permit. He says this annual Free Fishing weekend is especially popular with families, introducing fishing to children.
“Fishing gear is relatively inexpensive, you can start out with basic gear and have a successful fishing trip, you can go as simple as a cane pole, just a stick with a fishing line and hook and be successful,” said Branson. He says one of the big attractions of fishing is the excitement of not knowing what might bite on your hook.
He says the state’s ponds, lakes, and rivers are rich with about 240-species of fish. There are 23 which are considered game fish, and are the most common. He says there are some very unusual species, including the American eel, the snake-like lamprey and the paddlefish. Branson says the state has some very beautiful looking and colorful fish as well.
The Missouri Department of Conservation has videos on its website featuring anglers who caught state record fish, including a whopper 65 pound striped bass caught at Bull Shoals Lake in southern Missouri.
The MDC offers special awards for state records, Master Angler Awards, I Released a Lunker Award, and a first fish award.
Fishing permits are not required this weekend, but the MDC says all other regulations, such as length and daily limits do still apply.
