SOUTH CHARLESTON – National Fishing and Boating Week 2012 will be highlighted in West Virginia by the 23rd annual Free Fishing Weekend on June 9 and 10, according to Frank Jezioro, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR).

During these two days, residents and nonresidents can fish in West Virginia without a license.

“It is a great opportunity to remind people of the fun of fishing, especially with family and friends. If you already have a license, take someone fishing. It may be your children, spouse, or co-worker, and introduce them to a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment,” said Jezioro.

The National Fishing and Boating Week began as a promotional activity near Father’s Day by the sportfishing industry. The recreational boating industry partnered with its sportfishing counterparts to develop a fishing and boating educational campaign. From those beginnings, National Fishing and Boating Week has evolved into a very effective private/public partnership. The sport-fishing and boating industries, fishing organizations and local, state, and federal agencies work together to promote the message that fishing is great fun and healthy aquatic ecosystems are important.