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MARQUETTE COUNTY -- Each year, new anglers are lured into the the sport of fishing, and there's no better time to get started than this weekend when it's free.

"This year is even a little bit better because of the late spring that we're having," said angler Mark Simon.  "A lot of the smaller pan-fish and crappie are just now starting to get going, so the action should be really good this weekend."

Simon has been fishing since he was old enough to hold a rod.

But this weekend, beginners can try their hand at the sport for little or no cost at all.  All fishing license fees are waived.

"The truth of the matter is you can get by on a minimum cost of equipment that will provide lots of action," Simon said.

According to Simon, a simple rod and reel combo, along with fishing line, a hook, and bait will cost an angler about $30.

If you already have the gear, the most difficult decision you'll have to make is where to fish.

For novices, Simon recommends fishing in one of Michigan's 11,000 inland lakes.

"I think the key is to find some place where there is a lot of action," Simon added, "not necessarily quality of fish, but the quantity of fish."

Just as a reminder, all fishing regulations will still apply.