Free Fishing At Fort Trumbull 'Saltwater Fishing Day' Saturday

NEW LONDON, CT—As part of the No Child Left Inside program of Connecticut State Parks and the state environmental agency, Saturday Aug. 10 at Fort Trumbull Stat Park is 'Saltwater Fishing Day.' And besides cool fishing activities, it's also 'Free Fishing Day,' so a one-day fishing license is free. And, rods, tackle and bait can be "borrowed."

Even if one doesn't land a fish, this deal is a great catch.

"Pack a picnic for the family," the parks Facebook page reads, and head out to Fort Trumbull State Park, 90 Walbach Street in New London for a day devoted to fishing fun. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the fishing pier .

The free 8th Annual Saltwater Fishing Day event will have fishing, crabbing, and fish activities. Plus, fishing rods, tackle, and bait will be available for use. And since participants 16 and up must have a fishing license, a free one-day permit for anyone – resident or non-resident – is available by visiting the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection website online sportsmen licensing system, or at any venue that sells fishing licenses.

The free event was created to "connect people with outdoor activities and Connecticut’s natural resources."

“'Free Fishing License Day' reflects how fishing is much more than catching fish. For many, the quality time spent connecting with friends and family outdoors is priceless,” said Susan Whalen, DEEP Deputy Commissioner. “Many of those who took advantage of the previous ‘Free Fishing License Days’ have either fished as a youngster or have held a fishing license in past years. We know that once people come out and fish our many lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and Long Island Sound they will be amazed at how much they have been missing.”

Connecticut has just about every type of fishing within 25 miles of just about every resident including trout, bass, pike, panfish, and saltwater species including striped bass, fluke, porgy or bluefish. Combining the annual Saltwater Fishing Day with Free Fishing License Day provides families the opportunity to plan an outing focused around fishing together as each family member 16 years of age or older can obtain a free one-day fishing license.

Those who are 15 or younger do not need a fishing license but can register using the same on-line system to obtain a Youth Fishing Passport that provides access to two fishing related activities and a list of sponsors who are offering discounts or free items to passport holders.

Saltwater Fishing Day is a good way to check off several species on the “Fishing Challenge Scorecard,” a year-long fishing checklist where young anglers can keep track of all of the different types of fish they catch. Visit the DEEP webpage here for details.

This event will take place rain or shine.

For more information please contact Kristen Bellantuono, CT DEEP-No Child Left Inside® Coordinator at 860-424-3917 or deep.NoChildLeftinside@ct.gov