West Deptford – Senate President Steve Sweeney, Deputy Speaker John Burzichelli and Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro highlight upcoming Free Fishing Days in New Jersey for 2019.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection offers annual Free Fishing Days as an introduction to freshwater fishing in the state.  The Free Fishing days for 2019 will occur on June 8 and October 19.

There are more than 400 publicly accessible lakes, ponds, reservoirs, streams and rivers in New Jersey.  South Jersey is home to many of these bodies of water.  Through the work of the Hackettstown and Pequest State Fish Hatcheries, stocked muskellunge, northern pike, walleye, striped bass hybrids, channel catfish, lake trout, and rainbow trout have been released in abundance into the state’s smaller streams and waterways.

Wild schools of fish are also plentiful in New Jersey.  However, anglers should always be aware of regulations affecting wild populations of fish as these conservation measures are frequently more stringent than for stocked fish.

“New Jersey has many delightful places and locations that offer fantastic fishing,” said Senate President Sweeney.  “Our state has many amazing natural areas to enjoy so everyone should take full advantage.”

“The intent of offering Free Fishing Days is to encourage residents and visitors to discover the sport of fishing while enjoying a relaxing day on our state’s waterways,” said Deputy Speaker Burzichelli. 

“Nature has much to offer and everyone should be given the opportunity to take advantage of it,” said Assemblyman Taliaferro.  “The Free Fishing Days provide a great opportunity for families to experience a day outdoors.”

New Jersey offers an online version of the Places to Fish booklet, which contains additional information on areas open to public angling:  http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/2003/plcpnds03.pdf.

For more information on Free Fishing Days, please visit: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ffd.htm.