ALBANY — Fishing without a license will be legal in New York for Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11.

“Free fishing on Veterans Day recognizes the service of men and women in our armed forces and is a great opportunity for experienced anglers to introduce friends and relatives to the sport,” state Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos wrote in a press release. “As we all work to prevent the spread of COVID-19, more New Yorkers are heading outdoors in search of local recreational activities. Being near the water, enjoying some of the state’s world-class fisheries, is an excellent way to unwind and learn more about the sport of fishing.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation in 2015 allowing an increased number of authorized statewide Free Fishing Days, which has included Veterans Day every year since.

The free fishing days program began in 1991 to give people who might not fish a chance to try the sport at no cost, introduce people to a new hobby and encourage people to support the sport by purchasing a New York state fishing license.

Participants are reminded that although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.

There are also COVID-19-related precautions the state asks anglers to take to stop the spread of the virus. Social distancing, wearing masks when not social distancing — especially in parking lots and footpaths — and avoiding sharing gear are some of these precautions.