This weekend, instead of applying for a fishing license, New Yorkers can test out their angling skills for free.

Once a year, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) allows people to fish without a license during the last full weekend in June. Growing up, my dad would take my sister and I out on Lake Erie every weekend with our fishing poles to try our luck at catching some fish. It was a ton of fun sitting out by the docks back at the marina too.

This is a perfect opportunity to take someone out who’s never been fishing too. New York State’s free fishing days will be this Saturday and Sunday. For more information on the DEC and all the fishing license requirements, head over to their official website.

Not sure where to toss your pole this weekend? We suggest Olcott Beach, which was just named the World Fishing Network’s “Ultimate Fishing Town.”

With 329,000 votes, Olcott took the prize which included bragging rights and a generous $25,000 check to be put towards fishing related projects in the area.

According to WFN,

The hamlet of Olcott Beach, divided by 18 Mile Creek and situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, is in an enviable position in the fishing world. The port carries an excellent reputation when it comes to trout and salmon fishing, in the lake, off the piers and up the creek to Burt Dam - one of the top fishing destinations in the state. Burt Dam attracts up to 50,000 anglers each fall from October to November. Located just a half-hour from Niagara Falls, this is truly an ultimate fishing town year-round.

Are you a big fan of fishing? Let us know some of your favorite fishing spots in the area. Also, a big congrats to Olcott on their well deserved title of WFN’s “Ultimate Fishing Town.”

Photo courtesy of Facebook.