Free Fishing Weekend Provides Opportunity to Enjoy Louisiana’s Outdoors
OutdoorHub 06.07.11
Louisiana’s “Free Fishing Weekend” provides a great opportunity for Louisiana citizens and visitors to enjoy the state’s bountiful fisheries resources on June 11 and 12.
The event is part of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) efforts to attract more participants into the ranks of licensed fishermen. Fishing license fees support LDWF’s conservation efforts including habitat management.
The promotional fishing dates offer novices, and anglers who haven’t been on the water recently, an opportunity to experience recreational fishing in fresh or salt water without the purchase of a recreational fishing license.
“The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission waives the fishing license requirement once a year to encourage the public to participate and we hope licensed recreational fishermen use this weekend to introduce someone to this outdoor activity that can last a lifetime,” said John Sturgis, LDWF education manager.
In conjunction with Free Fishing Weekend, LDWF and the Office of State Parks will host Family Fishing Day on Saturday, June 11 at the following sites: Bogue Chitto State Park, Franklinton; Chicot State Park, Ville Platte; Lake D’Arbonne State Park, Farmerville; and within New Orleans City Park. Family Fishing Day at these park sites will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing gear for pier or bank fishing. LDWF will provide basic fishing gear for anyone needing gear for the day.
Entrance fees at the three state parks hosting Family Fishing Day will be waived on June 11. For information and directions to all Louisiana State Parks and New Orleans City Park, visit www.lastateparks.com.
The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.
For more information, contact John Sturgis at 225-763-5448 or jsturgis@wlf.la.gov.
