INVERNESS, Fla. — License-free freshwater fishing weekend kicks off across Florida on Saturday.
For two days, residents and visitors are invited to try freshwater fishing without the added cost of getting a license. Any dock, lake, river or bank with public fishing access is free to use for fishing throughout the license-free weekend.
Other fishing rules including restrictions on seasons, size, bags and quantities will still be in effect.
George Kapiton, who worked as a professional bass fisherman for many years, says the freshwater lakes in Citrus County are the perfect spot to fish and experience old Florida charm. The Tsala Apopa chain of lakes pulls water from the Withlacoochee River and is separated into three main pools named after nearby towns: Inverness, Floral City and Hernando.
Kapiton says this license-free weekend is the perfect time to expose a child to fishing in the beautiful, serene spots in the state without having to spend a bunch of money upfront.
“When you turn that passion on in a kid you never know what it’ll grow to and how many people that’ll impact in a positive way for the outdoors,” he said.
Bass fishing is a great option this weekend, as Kapiton says bass nest in the springtime closer to shore.
Watch the video above for an inside look at some of the best freshwater fishing spots in the Tampa Bay area.