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It’s not too early to start thinking about Father’s Day and this year the state is offering a gift idea, fishing.

The state won’t fine people who fish in saltwater without a fishing license this weekend and Father’s day weekend. Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Director Nick Wiley hopes the promotion will encourage people to make a hobby of the sport and generate some tourism dollars.

“We want to get them hooked. We want them to see how fun it is. It also is a major economic engine for the state of Florida. Fishing generates 5.4 billion dollars in economic benefit for the state of Florida,” said Wiley.

The license free fishing weekends begin this Saturday and Sunday and will continue Father’s Day weekend. And again it is only for saltwater fishing.