Kentuckians without a fishing license who want to cast a line this weekend can do so without worrying about getting into trouble. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources annual “Free Fishing Weekend” is Saturday and Sunday. Jeff Ross is with the department’s fisheries division.
“We kind of look at as a test drive. For those that don't have a fishing license, they may never fish before, they may have fished, you know, a couple times when they're younger and thinking maybe I want to get back into this, but they might not want to buy a license yet.”
Ross acknowledged there’s an undetermined number Kentuckians, and visitors, who fish in the commonwealth without a license.
“We have our law enforcement officers that, you know, patrol the lakes and ponds and they'll let them know that they're supposed to have one and probably cite them. So you definitely want to have one if you're out fishing.”
A fishing license costs 23 dollars annually and can be purchased at county clerks’ offices, many stores that sell fishing equipment or online on the Fish and Wildlife Resources’ website.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, fact-based journalism. Monthly sustaining donors are the top source of funding for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.