ALBANY -- New York state is among the nation's premier, year-round fishing destinations, and to help newcomers or those interested in learning how to fish, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has scheduled free fishing events in each of its nine regions. These events are in addition to the state's annual free fishing weekend being held June 28 and 29.

"Few places provide the number, quality and diversity of fishing opportunities like New York," said DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. "These free fishing events provide a great way for newcomers to learn more about the sport and the locations near every New York community to connect to nature and have fun."

Each DEC regional office sponsors clinics to help teach adults and children the basics of fishing. Participants are supplied with equipment and learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics and aquatic ecology. No freshwater fishing license is required at these events. A full list of events with contact information is attached.

DEC also designates the last full weekend in June each year as a free fishing weekend, which enables all residents and visitors to fish New York state's waters without a DEC freshwater fishing license. It is important to note that permits from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) may still be required to fish in the New York City watershed. Information on how to obtain a permit can be found at www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/watershed_protection/html/wsrecreation.html on the NYCDEP Web site.

While a DEC fishing license is not required for either the free fishing weekend or regional free fishing events, DEC's other fishing rules and regulations remain in effect. To learn more about New York's regulations, go to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html on the DEC Web site. For more information on how and where to obtain a fishing license, go to www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html on the DEC Web site.