The state Department of Conservation announced this week the first of several planned statewide free fishing days will take place this weekend, Sat., Feb. 16, and Sun., Feb. 17. On these two days, residents and visitors can fish for free without a fishing license. “Presidents’ Day weekend was specifically selected as one of New York’s free fishing weekends because so many kids are out of school and families are looking for fun activities to do together,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “Ice fishing is a great way to reconnect with the outdoors and can easily be combined with ice skating, snowshoeing, cross country skiing or other activities for a fun and healthy day outside. To continue the fun and support the sport, New Yorkers are encouraged to purchase a N[ew] Y[ork S[tate] fishing license.” Other free fishing days scheduled for 2019, include June 29 and 30; Sep. 28; and, Nov. 11. The sports fishing industry in New York generates approximately $3 billion in revenue every year, and supports almost 20,000 jobs statewide, according to a DEC press release. Read the full press release at the DEC website.