COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) - Free and fun: a great combination and it’s happening this weekend everywhere in Michigan. Saturday and Sunday mark the first of two free fishing weekends this year. The summer weekend is scheduled for June 8^th and 9th. The state says it a time when residents and out-of-state visitors can get together and enjoy fishing – at no charge while providing an excellent opportunity to introduce the joy of winter fishing to children and help pass down the tradition to the next generation of anglers.

During the weekend, all fishing license fees are waived, but all fishing regulations still apply. Michigan offers some of the finest freshwater fishing in the world, with more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, more than 11,000 inland lakes and 36,350 miles of rivers and streams. For more information on Winter Free Fishing Weekend, including a list of activities across the state, visit www.michigan.gov/freefishing. The website also includes information about ice fishing. An article entitled “Fishing Technique: Ice Fishing, The Coolest Sport Around” is located under “Related Resources” and features good safety advice and basics on getting started and commonly used equipment. Of course, ice fishing can be dangerous for those who don’t follow safety procedures or head out unprepared, so please remember that having fun starts with being safe.