The year 2017 offered a variety of cost-saving opportunities for families interested in outdoor activities, specifically fishing, as well as general consumer freebies. These opportunities ranged from government-sponsored license waivers to retailer-hosted events and magazine subscriptions. Based on the provided documentation, the following information details the specific dates, locations, and requirements for these offers.
National and State-Specific Fishing License Waivers
A significant portion of the available information focused on "Free Fishing Days," events where state agencies waived the requirement for a fishing license, allowing residents and non-residents to fish on public waters without cost.
Florida Free Fishing Days
According to the documentation, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) designated specific weekends in 2017 for free freshwater and saltwater fishing. These dates were established to encourage families to try fishing without the financial commitment of purchasing a license.
The specific dates provided for Florida were: * Freshwater Fishing: * Saturday and Sunday, April 1 & 2 * Saturday and Sunday, June 10 & 11 * Saltwater Fishing: * Saturday and Sunday, June 3 & 4 * Saturday, September 2 * Saturday, November 25
The documentation notes that while no license was required during these specific periods, all other fishing rules and regulations remained in effect.
National Free Fishing Days
The documentation references a broader initiative known as National Free Fishing Days. While specific dates for the national event in 2017 were not explicitly listed in the provided text, the concept allows families to fish for free on public waters during designated times. The text advises consumers to check their specific state’s schedule, as dates vary by location.
Retailer-Hosted Events: Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classic
Bass Pro Shops hosted their annual "Spring Fishing Classic" in early 2017. This event was positioned as a family-friendly gathering with a focus on children’s activities and educational workshops.
Event Details: * Dates: February 17 through March 5, 2017. * Target Audience: Families and children.
Free Activities and Giveaways: The event featured several no-cost attractions and promotional items, including: * Kids’ Casting Pond: A designated area for children to practice casting. * Kids’ Craft: Participants could create a Wood Bobber Door Sign. * Giveaways: Free items included a Kids’ Fish Foam Cap, Fishing Photo Downloads, and a Kids’ Fishing Patch. * Workshops: Free Kids’ Fishing Workshops and Women’s Fishing Workshops were available. * Seminars: Pro fishing seminars were offered to attendees.
The documentation notes that specific activities could vary by store location and were subject to change. It also provided a link to check local store schedules for specific activity times.
Local Fishing Derbies and Events
The provided source material also included information regarding specific local fishing derbies, primarily focused on Pennsylvania. However, the reliability of these specific events as ongoing opportunities in 2017 requires scrutiny based on the source text.
Pennsylvania Events
Several events were listed, though the source text explicitly states that many of them "do not appear to be happening any more" at the time the content was published. Consumers were advised to verify the current status of these events.
- Paradise Sportsman’s Association Kids Fish Day: Originally held the third Saturday in May from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. along Londonland Run. Open to children 12 and under with no cost.
- Friends Of Fishing Creek Kids Fishing Derby: Originally held in early June at the Valley Lea Riding Club in Drumore, PA. This event required pre-registration and was limited to 60 children ages 5-12.
- Handicap Fishing Derby: Originally held on June 1st at Riparian Park.
Additionally, the text mentions an annual "National Hunting & Fishing Day" held at the Middlecreek Wildlife Center in September, advising readers to watch for this event.
Consumer Freebies and Promotional Offers
Beyond fishing, the documentation highlights several general consumer freebies available in 2017.
Family Fun Magazine Subscription
A free one-year subscription to Family Fun Magazine was available, valued at over $27. To claim this offer, consumers were instructed to follow specific steps to avoid unwanted upsells: 1. Navigate to the sign-up page. 2. "X" out any pop-up offers that appear. 3. Avoid entering contests for prizes like an iPad. 4. Decline any additional coupon offers.
The documentation states that the magazine would arrive in 6-8 weeks and that consumers would never receive a bill.
Enfamil Family Beginnings Offer
For parents with infants on formula, a free sample offer was available through Enfamil Family Beginnings. * Item: A free 10 oz sample of Enfagrow. * Process: Fill out a simple form and enter the baby's birthday. * Additional Bonus: A set of "Holidays Belly Badges" was also mailed to participants. * Timeline: The Enfagrow sample was expected to arrive in 4-6 weeks, while the badges would arrive in 1-2 weeks.
Other Notable Freebies (September 2017)
A separate source listed various free offers available in September 2017, though specific redemption details were not provided in the text: * Long John Silver’s: Free fried fish (Alaskan whitefish) or a two-piece fish basket for customers who used "pirate-y" words or wore at least three pieces of pirate costume items on International Talk Like a Pirate Day. * Museums: Free admission to participating museums during Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day Live!. * Coffee: Free or discounted coffee on National Coffee Day (September 29), with examples including Peet’s Coffee and Krispy Kreme.
Conclusion
In 2017, consumers had access to a variety of free opportunities, particularly regarding outdoor recreation. State-sponsored Free Fishing Days in Florida offered specific weekends where licenses were not required, while Bass Pro Shops provided a series of free workshops and activities for families. Additionally, promotional offers such as a free Family Fun Magazine subscription and Enfamil formula samples provided value to parents. Consumers seeking to utilize these offers were advised to verify event dates and follow specific instructions to avoid unintended charges or subscriptions.