Anyone who buys a 5-year freshwater fishing license, for $61.50, during April or May 1998 will receive a bonus package, in the mail, with samples and magazines worth more than $50. The package also includes special deals and rebate offers worth hundreds of dollars. You get five-years of freshwater fishing virtually for free.

"Major national manufacturers and local companies combined to provide this great offer for the first time anywhere last year," said Bob Wattendorf, of the GFC Division of Fisheries. The result was a six-fold increase in five-year freshwater fishing license sales during those two months. That is extremely important to the GFC because it allows us to invest the money for fish and wildlife conservation programs. At the same time manufacturers, publishers and other participants put their products in the hands of very dedicated anglers who are likely to spend thousands of dollars during the next five years on their sport. But most important, it was a hit with Florida anglers who bought the license. A survey showed 77 percent felt the overall value of last year’s bonus package was great or good--and it had barely half of what this year's package contains.

Lure manufacturers such as Cotee, Culprit, Phantom, Rapala, Reaction, RJ Tackle, and Storm are providing samples. Popular magazines like "Bass Destinations," "Florida Fishing and Boating," and "Florida Wildlife" will be included. Coupons will let you get a free copy of "Florida Sportsman," along with a free pass to one of their boat shows, a free copy of "Outdoor World," discount coupons for BassPro Shops, and a free-lure and special discount offer from Luhr-Jensen.

Other offers include discounted membership in "Fishing Made Cheap," a wholesale club, and the International Game Fish Association, both of whom provide free lures and incentives to join. Sierra Games will include a functional demo CD for their most popular fishing games. Champion, Ranger and Tracker boats are each including special offers, as is Raytheon. Ocean Waves sunglasses, Larsen Outdoor Press, Quantum Reels, Motor Guide and other special deals complete the package.

All you need to do is buy a license including at least five-years of freshwater fishing* privileges through our instant license number (1-888-FISH-FLORIDA; a $3.95 surcharge applies to these credit card transactions) or at your tax collector’s office. You can start fishing right away. A popular credit-card style license, along with your bonus package, will be mailed to you within a month. If that is not incentive enough--five-year and lifetime licenses, automatically cover any fee increases that may occur before the license expires.

*Freshwater lifetime and five-year combination licenses including freshwater also count.