Free Fishing on Father's Day

The state of Connecticut is offering a free day of fishing on Father's Day.

The first of two "Free Fishing License" days is planned for Sunday. A second is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 12.

Anglers can obtain the free licenses through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's online sportsmen licensing system at www.ct.gov/deep/sportsmenlicensing or at any venue that sells fishing licenses. Both residents and non-residents age 16 years and older can obtain a free one-day license for both inland and marine areas.

Connecticut lawmakers passed legislation last year that allows DEEP to designate up to two free days a year.

Susan Whalen, DEEP's deputy commissioner, said the agency is hoping to encourage people to give fishing a try and get hooked on the sport.