My grandmother always told me to beware of someone offering something for free because there always is a hidden catch.

In this case, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission hopes that you do catch something.

On May 22, the first of two Fish for Free Days will be offered to everyone in Pennsylvania with no strings attached

Waterway conservation officers have been given the word that this is a no-license-required day for all adults. Usually, anyone 16 and older is required to possess and display a valid fishing license.

Many times kids want to fish and an adult needs to help them. That's perfectly OK until Mom or Uncle Eddie decides it looks like fun, tries a few casts and along comes the law.

It's hard to explain a fishing rod in your hand when the kids are wandering along the shoreline.

WCO Jon Kay has shared countless examples of such encounters. His favorite was about a man who was casting lures at Lake Arthur out on Neely Point.

The man was casting and retrieving, and Kay didn't see any sign of a license.

Approaching the man he asked, "Why aren't you displaying your license?"

The man's reply was, "I'm not fishing. I'm testing out lures to see if fish will hit them."

Needless to say, it would have been a good idea to try out his new lures on Fish for Free Day instead.

There are many great places to fish and to add on both a picnic and bike ride as well, such as Lake Arthur, Pymatuning Lake in Jamestown, Shenango Reservoir in Mercer County, Lake Wilhelm in Sandy Lake and Justus Lake in Franklin.

If you like rivers, try Slippery Rock Creek, Oil Creek State Park and the bike trails along the Allegheny River.

Equipment can be expensive if you are just trying it out. It's a good time to bond with grandpa or the anglers in your family so they can share both equipment and expertise. It can get downright frustrating when you try to fish and don't know the way things should work.

Fishing can be simple and relaxing or complicated and maddening, depending on your goals and skill levels.

I was fishing with a friend's daughter last month and she was excited to be on the water fishing for trout. Trout can be a difficult quarry at times and not always the best way to start out the fishing year.

Megan, or "Moe" as we've called her since her early years, was up for some fishing and had the necessary equipment for a day on the trout waters.

A few tips on her setup and some casting help resulted in a fishing machine. She soon was telling her father, "I have my limit. We can go now."

On May 22, you can take the family, your buddies, the neighborhood kids and the dog (on a leash of course), and head out for a day of free fun.

If the weather turns sour, you have a second chance at another free day on June 6.

Also, remember that May 22 to 28 is National Safe Boating Week and that all boat owners and passengers can stop needless drowning by wearing a personal flotation device.

PFD's are inexpensive and much more comfortable than in the past. They make them for every size person. from infants to NFL linemen, but they do no good if you're in the water and they're on the boat.

Jay E. Hewitt is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle.