FWC EXTENDS FIVE-YEAR FISHING LICENSE PROMOTION

NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

April 2, 1999

CONTACT: Bob Wattendorf (850) 488-0520

FWC EXTENDS FIVE-YEAR FISHING LICENSE PROMOTION

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC's) promotion efforts to encourage anglers to purchase five-year freshwater fishing licenses are working out estremely well. In fact, the FWC has decided to extend the promotional campaign through the end of April.

Bob Wattendorf, the FWC's head of fisheries promotions, said more than 20 fishing manufacturers and publishers made the extension possible by providing the FWC with free samples or coupons. Five-year freshwater fishing license buyers receive the samples and coupons as free bonuses if they purchase their licenses during the promotional period.

Five-year freshwater fishing licenses are available from county tax collectors' offices for $61.50 or by phone at 1-888-FISH-FLOrida (1-888-347-4356). To use the phone system, which is available 24 hours a day, callers must have a major credit card and will be billed an additional $3.95 convenience charge. Anglers who purchase five-year licenses by phone will be able to start fishing immediately and will receive their credit-card style license by mail, along with a package of free samples and special offers. Free Stuff Samples include a fanny-pack, various lures, hooks, weights and fishing-related magazines worth more than $40, in addition to numerous coupons and special offers.

On April 3-4 residents and nonresident anglers can fish Florida's fresh waters without a license, provided they follow all other fishing and boating regulations. The FWC hopes large numbers of people will take advantage of this opportunity to go fishing with their families and friends on this free fishing weekend, and they will make a special effort to introduce somebody new to this lifetime recreation.

"Fishing is inexpensive, simple and convenient," Wattendorf said. "It's not only an outstanding traditional pastime but also a way to spend quality time together with people that are important to you and to get away from the stress of everyday life while enjoying nature."

He said the FWC hopes that, after enjoying free-fishing weekend, anglers will take advantage of the special bonus offer to buy five-year freshwater fishing licenses for themselves and perhaps even a buddy.

For more information about freshwater fishing in Florida, as well as to get more details on the five-year fishing license promotion, interested persons can visit the FWC's Web site at http://www.state.fl.us/FWC/fishing.