“If it’s free, it’s for me” is a popular saying among consumers who love the ultimate bargain.

And so it is for Ohioans who would like to enjoy a day of fishing, but haven’t invested in a license.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources once again has declared a Fish for Free weekend for June 17 and 18. As in years past, the Father’s Day weekend is intended to showcase Ohio’s fishing resources and introduce new anglers to the opportunity to catch a few.

“We encourage everyone to come out and experience the abundant fishing opportunities Ohio has to offer,” said Gov. Mike DeWine.

Fishing licenses normally are required for anyone age 16 or older on public waters. All of Ohio’s public waters — from Lake Erie to the Ohio River — are open to anglers June 17 and 18 whether they own a fishing license or not. Ohio regulations, size requirements and possession limits apply.

State officials urged anglers to invite someone new to fishing and offered tips to get the day going in the right direction.

Anglers should keep it simple for their newbies and choose a pond, lake or stream where beginners have a good chance to catch a few fish. Live bait will help boost the odds for beginners.

Experienced anglers should be prepared to be patient, as it is easy for beginners to tangle lines or grow restless between bites. Be ready, too, to bait hooks for those who are timid about handling worms or minnows.

To prepare for an Ohio fishing trip, anglers can use several resources such as the HuntFish OH mobile app. They also can check out the Go and Do fishing page at Ohiodnr.gov to gain information about fishing destinations.

Of course, the Ohio Division of Wildlife hopes those who take advantage of the Fish for Free weekend will invest in a fishing license in the future. License revenue goes toward management of 124,000 acres of inland lakes, 7,000 miles of streams, 2.25 million acres of Lake Erie and 481 miles of the Ohio River, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Officials reported the state stocked 52 million fish in Ohio waters last year, which included walleye, saugeye, yellow perch, rainbow trout, brown trout, muskies, catfish and hybrid striped bass.

Licenses can be purchased at most sporting goods retailers, online at wildohio.gov and on the HuntFish OH mobile app.

Jack Wollitz’s book, “The Common Angler,” is a collection of stories that explain why anglers are passionate about fishing. Send a note to jackbbaass@gmail.com.