Want to know a great way to save money fishing this summer? National Fishing and Boating Week takes place the first week of June each year and celebrates life on the water. This year the event falls on the days of June 6th through the 14th. This week highlights the conservation of our waterways, and the importance of recreational fishing and boating in enhancing our quality of life.
Typically during National Fishing and Boating Week states offer a free fishing day or days. This means that anyone can fish in public waters without a fishing license. Here in Chicago fishing without a license will be allowed June 6th through June 9th ONLY! Before you go fishing check the Illinois fishing reports from the different areas of the state. Chicagoans can find smallmouth bass along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, but if you’re willing to take a 2 hour drive the Mississippi River is teeming with spawning catfish!
Illinois is home to a large variety of fish with perch, crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, catfish, and walleye just to name a few. And each fish comes with it’s own challenges. If you’re a beginner check out this quick how-to for a better understanding in the art of fishing. If you think that fishing is in your future be sure you don’t get caught holding a pole without a fishing license past National Fishing and Boating Week! Get your Illinois fishing license and avoid hefty fines. Plus all of the license fees go to the conservation of public waterways.
Boating and fishing are stress relieving hobbies and with today’s technology it’s easy to forget the beauty of the great outdoors. Boating ranks in the top 3 of all stress relieving activities and around 90% of Americans live within an hour drive of navigable water. There are several Illinois fishing companies available for a local charter so there’s no reason to NOT get out on the water! Take advantage of National Fishing and Boating Week to see what you’ve been missing!