If you haven’t heard about National Go Fishing Day, it’s a day when anglers everywhere are encouraged to pick up a fishing rod and experience the benefits that are associated with time on the water. Studies have shown that fishing lowers your cortisol levels (otherwise known as the stress hormone), reducing anxiety, and promoting relaxation.
National Fishing Day Holiday
When is National Go Fishing Day? National Go Fishing Day is a special day that’s coming up on June 18th – it’s the perfect occasion for both experienced anglers and newcomers to head to the nearest public waterway for some relaxation time. If you need a few ideas on where to fish on Go Fishing Day (this June 18th check out these suggestions. This day is different than National Fish Day, which takes place in December, and World Fish Migration Day, which takes place on May 21st.
1. State Parks
Rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds, and coastal shorelines are often located within the boundaries of a nearby state park. Check the website of the state park closest to where you live to see if fishing is permitted within the confines of the park. Some states, such as Texas, even host programs that allow you to fish for free in state parks. All you need to do is bring your fishing gear and family to a state park, pay the entry fee, and you’re ready to fish (make sure you check the fishing regulations, along with any guidelines regarding waterways that may be catch and release only).
2. Fishing Piers
Fishing piers provide access, structure, and sometimes even bait shops and clean restrooms. They are also great places for family fishing trips because it’s easy for kids to take a break when the bite slows down. A trip to a coastal fishing pier can be combined with a beach shelling trip, sandcastle building contest, or picnic lunch.
3. Public Urban Ponds
Even if you live in a big city like Orlando or New York, there are often public urban ponds nearby that provide opportunities for fishing. The Orlando area has several urban ponds like Barnett Park Frog Pond, Bear Creek Park, Lake Island Park, and Lake Santiago. Central Park in New York also offers catch and release fishing within the park for species such as black crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish, chain pickerel, catfish, bass, carp, and bluegill.
4. Lake Shorelines
Use the Places to Fish and Boat map to find a public lake shoreline or boat launch near where you live when planning a fishing day. If access to fishing is convenient, you’ll want to get outdoors and do it more often. Convenience is also important for helping to keep trips short when taking kids fishing for the first few times. Less travel time means more time to relax with the family while reeling in those catches.
Now you have the answer to the question, “When is National Go Fishing Day?” Get out on the water this June 18th and encourage your friends to do the same.
