2024 NY Governor Kathy Hochul introduces Free Fishing Day on Aug 31 for Labor Day weekend, promoting outdoor recreation and conservation.
In 2024, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul is introducing a new Free Fishing Day on August 31 as part of Labor Day weekend celebrations, making a total of seven Free Fishing Days in the state. This initiative aligns with the "Get Offline, Get Outside" campaign to encourage outdoor recreational activities and support conservation efforts. On Free Fishing Days, the requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived, promoting the sport and potentially encouraging more people to support conservation efforts by purchasing a license. The state's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will also host a Free Family Fishing Day event at the New York State Fairgrounds during the Labor Day weekend, offering free fishing equipment and rods for fairgoers to use.