A free fishing day is offered to all Georgia residents on Sept. 26 in celebration of the 2009 National Hunting and Fishing Day.

On this day, residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA). In addition, residents do not need to obtain a wildlife management area (WMA) license to fish on a PFA, WMA or on Waters Creek on this day.

And if you thought the day could not get better - it just did. Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites are offering a free day on Sept. 26 which means no parking or admission fees.

The U.S. Congress and President Richard Nixon established National Hunting and Fishing Day 38 years ago to recognize generations of hunters and anglers for the time and money - more than a billion dollars each year - they donate to wildlife conservation programs. According to the

proclamation signed by Governor Perdue, conserving the state's natural and wildlife resources is one of the most important responsibilities for this and future generations, and the conservation programs supported and financed by Georgia hunters and anglers have benefited hundreds of

wildlife species, including deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles and songbirds for all Georgians to enjoy.

For more information on NHF Day in Georgia - including a complete listing of all events in the state visit www.georgiawildlife.com , and then select "Get Involved." For more on NHF Day across the nation, visit www.nhfday.org .