AUGUSTA – Weather forecasters are predicting a nice weekend, and what better way to spend it than to go fishing – or take your children fishing!

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is promoting Family Free Fishing Days this Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31 to encourage people to get out and experience 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This free fishing event is open to any person except those whose license has been revoked or suspended.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 last of two free fishing weekends offered this year.

“Parents and grandparents, it seems, always are looking for ways to introduce youngsters to Maine’s outdoors, and Family Free Fishing Days is the perfect opportunity to do that. Why cast a line on a video game system when you can do the real thing this weekend? The anticipation of catching a fish, and the experience of seeing one at the end of a line, are experiences that will stay with you and your young ones.”

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.