Fishing is summertime staple in Saskatchewan and this weekend, July 14th and 15th you do not require a license to drop a line into provincial waters.

Darrel Crabbe is the Executive Director at the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, and he explained how free fishing weekend came to be.

"Free fishing weekend has been around for just about 20 years now, and originally it was just one weekend a year. And now there is also a free fishing weekend in the winter, and it's just an opportunity for folks to get out and try their hand at angling and hopefully be so enthralled with it that they are going to take it up as a lifelong activity."

Crabbe also described how the weekend is for everyone - even beginners.

"We just hope that everybody who wants to take advantage of those opportunities (can). I know there are a number of learn-to-fish programs going on in several of the provincial parks, and those are always very well received and attended. So if people are around the parks, it's a great opportunity to get some free lessons as well."

Crabbe also outlined some important things to note for those looking to fish this weekend.

"All of the same restrictions that apply to anybody that has a licence are also in place with anybody taking advantage of the free fishing weekend... there is no difference, so you should make sure you understand what the limits are and what you can and can't keep and what gear you can use."

Free ice fishing weekend is Family Day weekend, February 16-18 2019.