Every state offers free fishing days on a different day—with some states having multiple days or weekends. However, most dates correspond with the summer months, particularly the first two weeks of June. However, free fishing dates start in January and continue through December.

The majority of states schedule their free fishing days during National Fishing and Boating Week (NFBW), which is held every year during the first week of June. For 2021, this week is scheduled for June 5 to 13. As such, many states are holding their free fishing dates for 2021 on June 5th and 6th and June 12th and 13th. In addition to offering free fishing, many states hold special activities focused on fishing and boating during NFBW.

A handful of states offer free fishing around the July 4^th holiday, including California (July 3), Maryland, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. In Alaska, fishing is free year-round for children under age 16 and anglers aged 60 and older. Hawaii has free marine fishing year-round. (A license for non-residents is under consideration but hasn’t yet been implemented.)

Minnesota offers three fishing weekends focusing on different audiences. On May 8-9, moms who are Minnesota residents can enjoy fishing during “Take Mom Fishing Weekend.” From June 11 to the 13, Minnesota residents age 16 and older can fish for free with children under 15 during “Take A Kid Fishing Weekend.” Finally, January 15 to 17 is “Take A Kid Ice Fishing Weekend”—an opportunity for Minnesota residents over 16 to fish for free with children under 15.

Some states offer free fishing days for different types of fishing. For example, Florida offers free freshwater fishing on April 3-4 and June 12-13 and free saltwater fishing on June 5-6, September 4, and November 27. Massachusetts has free freshwater fishing on June 5-6 and free saltwater fishing during Father’s Day Weekend (June 12-13).

Free fishing day activities vary by state. For example, Texas releases hundreds of catfish to help beginners catch a fish. Many states schedule activities during free fishing days, including fishing lessons and clinics, fishing derbies, and boat parades.

Free fishing days are an excellent opportunity to teach kids to fish. For new anglers interested in trying the sport, the Rusty Angler offers equipment recommendations and advice for beginner bass fishing.

The following list provides the free fishing days for each state. However, anglers should check their state’s fish and wildlife department website for specific details regarding free fishing locations and requirements. These websites will also provide guidance on places to fish and accompanying events.

• Alabama: June 12
• Alaska: Free all year for people under age 16 or over 60 years of age
• Arizona: June 5
• Arkansas: June 11 to June 13
• California: July 3 and September 4
• Colorado: June 5 and 6
• Connecticut: May 8, June 20, and August 14
• Washington DC: May 31 through June 6
• Delaware: June 5 and 6
• Florida: Free saltwater fishing on June 5-6, September 4, and November 27. Free freshwater fishing on April 3-4 and June 12-13.
• Georgia: June 5, June 12, and September 25
• Hawaii: 365 days of free ocean fishing (however some locations prohibit shoreline fishing)
• Idaho: June 12
• Illinois: June 18 to 21
• Indiana: May 2,June 5-6, and September 25
• Iowa: June 4 and 6
• Kansas: June 5 and 6
• Kentucky: June 5 and 6
• Louisiana: June 12 and 13
• Maine: February 13 and 14 and June 5 and 6
• Maryland: June 5, June 12, July 4
• Massachusetts: Free freshwater fishing on June 5-6 and free saltwater fishing on June 19-20
• Michigan: February 13-14andJune 12-13
• Minnesota: May 8-9 is Take A Mom Fishing Weekend (Minnesota resident moms fish free), June 11-13 is Take A Kid Fishing Weekend (Minnesota residents age 16 or older fish free with children under age 16), and January 15-17, 2022 is Take A Kid Ice Fishing Weekend (Minnesota residents age 16 or older fish free with children under age 16)
• Mississippi: June 5 and 6 and July 4
• Missouri: June 12 and 13
• Montana: June 19 and 20
• Nebraska: May 22
• Nevada: June 12
• New Hampshire: January 16 and June 5
• New Jersey: June 5 and October 23
• New Mexico: June 5 and September 25
• New York: February 13 and 14, June 26 and 27, September 25, and November 11
• North Carolina: July 4
• North Dakota: June 5 and 6 and December 25 and 26
• Ohio: June 19 and 20
• Oklahoma: June 5 and 6
• Oregon: February 13 and 14, June 5 and 6, and November 26 and 27
• Pennsylvania: May 30 and July 4
• Rhode Island: May 1 and 2 (freshwater fishing only)
• South Carolina: May 31 and July 4
• South Dakota: May 9, May 21 through 23, and June 20
• Tennessee: June 12
• Texas: June 5
• Utah: June 12
• Vermont: January 30 and June 12
• Virginia: June 4 through 6
• Washington: June 5 and 6 and June 13
• West Virginia: June 12 and 13
• Wisconsin: January 16 and 17 and June 5 and 6
• Wyoming: June 5

The post List of Each State’s Free Fishing Days 2021 appeared first on Bass Fishing Tips - Fishing Tackle Boxes.

Basics of Crappie Fishing

As one of the most popular and plentiful catches year-round in the United States, the crappie is truly a fish for all seasons.

Hailing from the sunfish family, crappie fish are small in size (with the biggest world record crappie weighing only 5 pounds) but numerous in number.

These fish often travel together in massive shoals. If one is caught, it can be assumed many others are floating around the same spot, ready to bite.

Crappie are fun and exciting to wrangle for fishers of any age or experience level. Given its size, this fish will struggle little against the rod, making for an effortlessly rewarding catch.  

Here are the important ins and outs of how to catch crappie that any astute angler needs to know before heading out for a day on the water.

When and Where are Crappie Found?

The answer to “when?” is simple: every season is crappie season. The answer to “where” involves more explanation.

While this fish likely originated in the eastern half of the United States, large relocation efforts have now made these fish available in every contiguous state.

Ponds, rivers, reservoirs, and streams across North America are the crappie’s most frequented freshwater spots.  

These fish are known to hang around shorelines and covered areas in an effort to evade potential predators.

However, the approximate locations where shoals of crappie may be found changes seasonally.

The most important crappie fishing tips revolve around locating these elusive swimmers.

Spring and Fall

During spring and fall, these fish stick to shallow waters. Weed beds, trees, gravelly banks, and brush piles near the shoreline offer this fish covered protection.

Spawning season lasts from March to June, making this the optimal time of year to cast a line and reel in copious amounts of crappie.

Fall is a trickier season to get any bites. It may shift from shallow to deeper waters throughout the day. Fishers may need to test different depths before discovering where the fish are biting. 

Summer and Winter

Anglers are advised to move toward deeper waters in the hottest and coldest months.

Crappie tend to frequent bodies of freshwater ranging from 10 to 40 feet deep. Timber trees, channel humps, and river backwaters are its common retreats during these seasons.

Some anglers new to the game are surprised to learn winter is prime time for game fishing.

In frigid weather, crappie tend to mass together in compact groups. This allows for plentiful catches in no time.

It is crucial to remember that the colder the weather, the farther these fish will retreat into deeper waters.     

Best Crappie Lures and Rods

In addition to a well-stocked tacklebox of jigs, lines, bobbers, and hooks, owning a reliable rod is essential to a successful day on the water.

Since crappie are some of the easiest types of fish to hook, state-of-the-art gear is not a necessity. In fact, a simple cane pole can bring in fish all day long.

However, a more serious angler may opt for more technologically advanced gear, such as spinning or ultralight rods.

Some of the best crappie rods out there are made of high-quality graphite, such as those listed below:

• B’n’M Buck’s Crappie Graphite Jig Pole

• B’n’M Buck’s Best Ultra-Light Pole

• Bass Pro Shops Crappie Maxx Mighty Lite Crappie Pole

These are only a few of the premium rods available on the market.

Crappie Fishing Tips and Tricks

Here are the crappie fishing tips every in-the-know angler is using each season to land the biggest catches.  

• One unwritten rule advanced anglers follow is to cast shallow during fall and spring, and cast deep in the winter and summer.

• One size does not fit all in terms of how to catch them. Vastly different approaches often bring in fish all the same, so it is important to experiment with tackle and technique to find what suits each individual fisher best.

• Smaller jigs are most efficient to hook this fish.

• Minnows are a crappie favorite when it comes to live bait.

• Crappie can be attracted by building coverings with branches, brush, and limbs in shallow areas of water.

• On average, they weigh less than a pound and measure between 5 and 10 inches long.

• Dusk and dawn are prime times to land these fish.

• Every state has differing regulations regarding fishing practices. Most anglers are required to obtain a fishing license before casting a line. It is vital to understand and abide by these rules to avoid fines.

These insider tips and tricks of how to catch crappie are sure to make for an exciting, success-filled day.

Common Crappie Types

Despite the diverse color variations and hybrids existing within this species, the main two types reeled in by fishers are the black and white crappie.

The names of these fish are not indicative of their appearance, since both can be either light or dark.

Black Crappie

Appearance:

A black crappie possesses uneven dark markings all over its body. It tends to be smaller in size and darker in color than its white counterpart. It also has up to 8 hard spines on its dorsal fin.

Habitat:

Black crappie favor the clear, cool waters of lakes and rivers. These freshwater fish also prefer to remain hidden in vegetation and under structures.

White Crappie

Appearance

The body of the white crappie, though similar to the black, is more elongated and generally lighter in color. Its dorsal fin, consisting of 5 to 6 spines, sits further back on its body. It is most identifiable by the vertical lines across its scales. 

Habitat:

White crappie do not have a preference when it comes to habitat. It is known to traverse murky and clear waters equally.

How to Fillet a Crappie

After learning how to catch them, it is just as important to learn how to cook one.

When cooked correctly, crappie are some of the tastiest freshwater fish. A perfectly filleted and seared will produce crumbling, melt-in-your-mouth white meat.

The tools required are:

1. Fillet knife.

2. Cutting board (or any hard, flat surface).

3. Spoon.

4. A place to dispose of the unwanted parts.

• After positioning the knife just under the pectoral fin, cut at an angle toward the backbone.

• Continue to cut in the direction of the tail. The knife should remain on top of the back fins.

• The fillet should be pushed away from the fish but still attached. Slice as close between the meat and skin as possible to retain the most meat. Remove the fillet.

• The fillet attached to the rib cage should be removed. Flip the fish and fillet the opposite side.

• The rib cage should then be cut out from each fillet, cutting as close to the ribs as possible.

• The fillets must be rinsed and then promptly froze or cooked.

Following this list of easy steps will make for an irresistibly scrumptious meal after a long day on the boat. While you’re eating that amazing crappie, check out the latest free fishing giveaway. Rusty Angler loves fishing, so we share the love with our readers and fishing enthusiasts all the time!

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