Free Family Fishing Days Feb. 14-15 Monday, February 09, 2009 AUGUSTA – Want to try your hand at ice fishing to see if you'll like it? Want to get your kids on the ice to experience the joy of hooking a fish? Valentine's weekend is the time to do it as the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife promotes Family Fishing Days. On Saturday, Feb. 14 and Sunday, Feb. 15, people can fish for free on Maine's waterways. This free fishing event is open to any person except those whose license has been revoked or suspended. All fishing regulations apply. For a complete list of fishing regulations, including limits and sizes, visit www.mefishwildlife.com and click on "fishing." Fishing, whether on open water or on ice, is one of the most popular activities in Maine, drawing thousands upon thousands of residents and out-of-state visitors to the state's nearly 6,000 lakes and ponds and almost 32,000 miles of rivers and streams. Approximately 286,000 people annually purchase fishing licenses in Maine, and the sport has a $300 million impact on the state's economy. This weekend is the first of two free fishing weekends offered this year. The second is May 30 and 31, the weekend after Memorial Day. "Family Fishing Days provide the perfect opportunity for adults to introduce children to fishing," said Commissioner Roland "Danny" Martin. "It's a wonderful chance to make memories and be encouraged by the young ones to buy a fishing license and spend more time on Maine's waterways throughout the year." Want to continue the fishing experience throughout the year? Fishing licenses are available for purchase on IF&W's Web site, www.mefishwildlife.com, at any of the more than 285 MOSES licensing agents statewide, or at town offices and other locations. They also are available at our main office at 284 State St., Augusta.