Louisiana’s Free Fishing Weekend is This Weekend

If you ask any Louisiana adult what the top "thrill" of their youth was you'd probably have a few folks say, it was the first time I shot a gun. Or, perhaps the first time I got to drive a car. But, the one "thrill" that seems to find its way to the very top of that "I remember when" list is the time they caught their very first fish.

If you've done it, then you know. There is nothing quite like the realization that not only has something gotten your bait but they've taken your hook. Your mission, reel that bad boy in. Or in my case raise your cane pole and bobber out of the water and see what's causing all that commotion. I still remember my first fish, how about you?

This weekend the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries hopes to expand a lot of those "first catch" memories with their annual Free Fishing Weekend. It's a chance for Louisiana residents and guests to wet a line and not be concerned with acquiring a Louisiana Fishing License. It's also a great way to introduce youngsters to one of our state's most storied and treasured past times.

Free Fishing Weekend is this weekend, June 10th and 11th. And while a fishing license won't be required this weekend, all the other rules and regulations will still apply. Namely, you can't overfish the limit, you have to adhere to size restrictions, and you're only allowed to catch fish that are in season.

But to make this weekend's Free Fishing Weekend an even bigger success, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife has stocked some 17 ponds across the state with adult-sized catfish. I can promise you if you hook a "kitty" you're going to know the thrill of having a "fish on".  And best of all, you can fish for catfish right from the bank.

Here's a list of the ponds that have been stocked as part of the Get Out and Fish Program, so if you're planning on taking someone who has never fished before, you might want to consider visiting one of those ponds or lakes. That's because "fishing is fun, but catching is more fun".

Now, if this weekend is successful and you'd like to fish some more across Louisiana's many bodies of water and waterways you will need to get your fishing license. You can do that online right here and it's good for a year. And if you need or want tips on how to clean and cook your catch, LDWF has that information for you right here. 

Don't forget your bug spray because the fish won't be the only thing biting this weekend. Oh, and I'd make sure to have some sunscreen and plenty of water or non-alcoholic beverages to drink, you'll want to stay hydrated because it will be hot this weekend while you're having the time of your life enjoying the Sportsman's Paradise.