Wichita ? Fishing will be good in Kansas this weekend, at least in terms of costs.

The state will waive its requirement for fishing permits on Saturday and Sunday, continuing a tradition that began in 2001.

Doug Nygren, fisheries chief for the state wildlife department, says the free weekend is offered to help people connect with the outdoors, with the hope they will decide to buy a license and continue fishing.

The Wichita Eagle reports this weekend was chosen because it’s early enough in the season that hungry fish are fairly shallow and within casting distance of shorelines.

The rest of the year, people between 16 and 75 are required to have a fishing permit, unless exempt by military service or fishing on privately-owned waters.