On the weekend of June 3-4 2023, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife (KDFW) promoted a “free fishing weekend” to allow residents of Kentucky to fish for free without a need for a fishing license or permit.  The Hickman County Extension office joined in on this idea and worked to ensure anyone who wanted to fish that weekend would be able to, even if they did not currently own a fishing pole or supplies.  After speaking with Zebco, a well-known fishing equipment company, they provided an educational discount to buy fishing poles 50% off.  Jimbo Berry and the Hickman County Wildlife group donated $500 to cover the equipment and supplies needed to make sure this truly was a “free fishing weekend”.  Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife donated “Fishing Started Kits” that included hooks, bobbers, and instructions on how to tie the hooks.  ANR and 4-H Agents teamed up to provide a fishing bait station and a snack station with samples of Very Berry Salsa, Granola Bars, and Infused water to keep the fishermen and fisherwomen hydrated.  This event was held at the Clinton Rotary Park, home of a FINs Lake in Hickman County, which is regularly stocked with fish by the KDFW.  With 10 fishing poles donated to attendees who did not currently have one and over 15 people attending the event, Free Fishing Weekend has the building blocks to grow into a yearly community event.