Author: Anna Gurney
It’s that time of year! North Carolina kids and their families are invited to join in the fun of National Fishing and Boating Week, June 1-9. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) and its partners will be celebrating with free family fishing events across the state in June.
At these events, kids will get a chance to enter their name into a raffle prize drawing conducted by the NCWRC. Prizes include a lifetime fishing license and fishing rods. The prize drawings will be held in early July.
At some events, local partners may also provide additional prizes or gifts for young anglers, as well as food or snacks. Some event partners are asking that you pre-register before attending, so please check the event list closely.
The NCWRC will stock fish at several of the sites ahead of time to elevate the experience.
FYI for parents, guardians, families and friends: all National Fishing and Boating Week events will be covered by a license waiver, meaning anyone 16 years of age or older will not need a license to fish for the day. As a reminder, children under the age of 16 never require a fishing license.
“By giving those without a fishing license a ‘pass’ for these events, we’re hoping that moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandmas and grandpas – whoever is taking that child fishing – see the value in investing in a license for the future,” NCWRC Operations and Program Development Manager Sandra Bridges said. “Fishing is a fantastic family bonding activity.”