Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week: June 7 - 15, 2025
Each year, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) invites Americans to cast a line, launch a boat and connect with nature. Along with National Safe Boating Week (May 17 - 23, 2025), this is a wonderful time of year to embrace boating life while sharing and implementing safe boating habits and a love of the great outdoors. The 2025 celebration is the week of June 7 to 15 and promises to be the most exciting yet.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, this week is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a peaceful escape on the water, discover a new hobby or share quality time with family and friends away from land and private boat slip rentals.
National Fishing and Boating Week
- Promotes the joys of recreational fishing and boating
- Highlights their importance to conservation
- Encourages people of all ages to enjoy the great outdoors
- Promotes safety on the water
What Is National Fishing and Boating Week?
Sponsored by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) in collaboration with state fish and wildlife agencies, NFBW aims to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, while also educating the public on aquatic conservation, protecting coral reefs and the economic impact of these outdoor activities.
Free Fishing Days Across the Country
One of the most popular features of NFBW is the Free Fishing Days — special days when states waive fishing license requirements. This allows residents and visitors alike to fish legally without a license. The goal is to encourage first-timers to give it a try, but anyone can take advantage of these free fishing days.
Free Fishing Days vary by state, but many are scheduled during NFBW to coincide with outreach events and educational programs. To find out when your state is participating, visit your local fish and wildlife department website or check out the interactive map on TakeMeFishing.org.
Events and Activities
Across the U.S., NFBW will be marked by a wide variety of community events, including:
- Youth fishing derbies
- Boating safety demonstrations
- Educational workshops on local fish species
- Paddle sports tryouts
- Waterway cleanups and conservation projects
Local marinas, parks, nature centers and conservation groups often host special events designed to be inclusive, family-friendly and welcoming to beginners.
Why It Matters
Fishing and boating (along with jet skis, paddleboards and other watersports) are more than just pastimes — they help support conservation. A portion of revenue from fishing licenses, boat registrations and equipment sales goes directly to funding wildlife and waterway conservation efforts. By participating, you're actively contributing to the protection and preservation of natural habitats.
Time on the water has proven mental and physical health benefits. It’s a chance to unplug, reduce stress and foster a connection to nature whether you’re launching at a marina or a private boat lift for rent.
Organizations Taking Part in National Fishing and Boating Week
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services
- Discover Boating
- Take Me Fishing (a campaign of the RBFF)
How You Can Join In
- Try fishing or boating for the first time (or second or third times)
- Invite someone new to join you
- Attend a local event or workshop
- Post your adventure using #GetOnBoard or #NationalFishingAndBoatingWeek
- Support waterway conservation through volunteer work or donations
Whether you're casting a line from a private boat dock rental, paddling across a lake or cruising down a river, National Fishing and Boating Week is a celebration of the freedom, beauty and adventure that America’s waters have to offer.
So, mark your calendars for June 7 – 15, 2025, and let the outdoors be your playground. Happy fishing and safe boating!
