You can cast a line for free this weekend. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources annual free fishing weekend begins today (Friday) and runs through Sunday. D-N-R Fisheries Bureau Chief Marion Conover says any Iowa resident can fish without a license during the three days. Conover says the idea is to get kids and others to try fishing. He says they put a lot of emphasis on kids and hope that family members take young people out fishing. He says they have a number of clinics for kids and beginners across the state. Conover says they’ve had free fishing weekends for over a decade and this year they’re going to do something a little different.This is the first weekend where they’re going to survey some of the people fishing. He says conservation officers will be out asking people if they need help and providing assistance to people that need it. Conover says fishing is a popular sport in Iowa. He says the state sells some 325-thousand licenses and when you add in other special licenses it totals some 400-thousand each year. To find out more about fishing regulations, fishing tips, and a schedule of clinics, surf to: www.iowadnr.com.