Louisiana residents and visitors will get to take advantage of an opportunity to fish without the purchase of a recreational fishing license on June 8 and 9.
This “Free Fishing Weekend” is part of an effort by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to attract more participants into the ranks of licensed fishermen. Fishing license fees support LDWF’s conservation efforts including habitat management.
“LDWF is encouraging anyone who wants to fish in Louisiana to do so on the weekend of June 8-9,” said John Sturgis, LDWF education manager. “It’s an activity the whole family can enjoy, even without a boat. Louisiana offers some of the best bank and pier fishing opportunities in the south.”
In conjunction with Free Fishing Weekend, LDWF is working with supporting sponsors to offer the following events on Saturday, June 8:
• Bass Pro Shops Kids Fishing Rodeo at Waddill Wildlife Refuge
4142 N. Flannery Road, Baton Rouge
Fishing competition from 7:30 to 11 a.m. for children ages 12 & under and 13-15.
Prizes will be awarded.
• Lake D’Arbonne Fishing Derby at Lake D’Arbonne State Park
3628 Evergreen Road, Farmerville
Registration begins at 8 a.m. for the fishing contest at 9 a.m. and bait casting contest at 10 a.m.
Awards to be presented before noon for participants in two age brackets: 6 to 9 years of age and 10 to 14 years of age.
The first 100 kids will receive a free extendable fiberglass pole rigged and ready to fish with. Bait will be provided by LDWF.
• Youth Fishing Derby at Fairview-Riverside State Park
119 Fairview Drive, Madisonville
Fishing competition from 8 a.m. to noon for ages 15 and under.
Participants are advised to bring their own poles and bait.
Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories.
• Louisiana Saltwater Series Tournament – Fourchon Marina
282 Floatation Canal Road, Golden Meadow
The two-man team event has an entry fee of $200, with a 100 percent payout for top finishers. Anglers can use artificial lures and weigh in their two best redfish, with a maximum length of 27 inches. For complete information, including rules, regulations and online registration, go to www.lasaltwaterseries.com. On-line registration will close Thursday, June 6 at noon.
*A youth division is also available for no additional cost. Teams are allowed to have two youth anglers as part of their team as long as they are under the age of 16.
• LASS Youth Fishing Event at Grand Isle State Park
La. Hwy 1, Grand Isle
7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Participants need to bring their own fishing gear and bait.
$5 registration provides access to youth activities and prizes.
For complete information, contact Danica Williams at 504-628-7282.
