Anglers Enjoy License Free Fishing Day - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

One fish, two fish, red fish, new fish?

"You've got to start somewhere," said Brad Stephens, owner of Sunjammers Watersports.

Those taking advantage of a free day of fishing Saturday are mostly newbys at the fishing game.

"Most people that come in on these weekends are obviously not regularly anglers or they would have their lifetime fishing license," said Stephens who saw a lot of those people in his store Saturday.

"You know there is no reason to buy a fishing license if you are only going to fish for an hour or so," said Stephens. "So it's a good way to avoid this expense."

For experienced anglers wanting a different look at the sport Saturday's deal was a good way to use kayaking as an alternative mode of transportation.

"With these free licenses we always have a few people that want to try kayak fishing," said Stephens. "Problem is they don't know if they want to do fishing or kayak fishing and they have to buy a license. So people take advantage of these free days to actually rent a kayak and go fishing for the day to make sure its what they like."

For Stephens and others in the sport it's about more than just the catch

"Would you say it's more about peace of mind?"

"Absolutely," said Stephens. "It's more about being in the great outdoors than it is about actually putting dinner on the table."

Being in the great outdoors and hopefully gaining a new lifelong hobby.

"[This will] hopefully get them hooked on the sport of fishing, which can be a lifetime pleasure," said Stephens.