The following is the text of a NJ DEP news release which can be viewed on the DEP website at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/newsrel/2009/09_0012.htm .


Catch the Excitement: New Jersey's Two Special Fishing Days Offer Chance to Sample the Fun for Free

Residents and visitors can help themselves to free samples of the finest freshwater fishing found anywhere in the Northeast during New Jersey's Free Fishing Days on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7.

"On these two special days, anyone can fish anywhere in New Jersey without a license or trout stamp," Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Mark N. Mauriello said. "It's a perfect time for families and friends to discover the simple pleasures of fishing and enjoy quality time together in the outdoors. So if you haven't gone fishing in New Jersey lately, try it. We think you'll love it."

New Jersey offers every type of fishing for every level of angler. Cold, clear streams support a first-rate, year-round trout fishery. Waters statewide are teeming with trout now; just last week, the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife finished stocking some 600,000 trout, including more than 5,000 two-pound to five-pound fish.

Warmwater fishing in New Jersey is spectacular, too. During the past 20 years, the Division of Fish and Wildlife has developed thriving fisheries for a number of popular game fish, and now New Jersey anglers routinely catch world-class muskellunge and walleye as well as northern pike, channel catfish and hybrid striped bass. Outstanding statewide fisheries for largemouth and smallmouth bass, pickerel and many panfish species round out a wide array of warmwater fish available to New Jersey anglers.

Visit the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife Web site at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/fishing_fresh.htm for a wealth of information on fishing in New Jersey, including where to fish for trout and various warmwater fish stocked statewide as well as how-to fishing tips for both beginners and advanced anglers.