Louisiana’s Weekend of Free Fishing to be Held on June 8-9

In an attempt to promote fishing in Louisiana the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is putting on it’s annual Free Fishing Weekend on June 8-9. The free fishing weekend permits residents and visitors to fish Louisiana waters without a normaly requeired fishing license.

“Each year we designate a weekend of fishing with no need to purchase a fishing license as an incentive for families and friends to enjoy one of our states most beloved pastimes,” explained LDWF Secretary Madison Sheahan. “Please take this opportunity to make memories with your loved ones, and introduce them to the great sport of fishing.”

As an added bonus, the department has stocked 17 ponds across the state with adult-sized catfish  as part of the Get Out and Fish! Program.

LDWF reminds anglers that while a fishing license is not required, all of the normal fishing regulations, including season, size, catch limits and gear restrictions will remain in effect during Free Fishing Weekend.

For those fishing offshore waters, a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) is still needed during Free Fishing weekend when possessing dolphinfish, amberjacks, snappers, groupers, cobia, tunas, billfish, swordfish, hinds, wahoo, and gray triggerfish. For those registering for an ROLP, anglers should choose the “Free Fishing Weekend” option for the license type.  Anglers can skip the “LDWF Fishing License Number” field. A Free Fishing Weekend ROLP will be valid Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9 only.

LDWF reminds folks that anlges 18 or older must have a LA fishing license when fishing anytime outside of the Free Fishing Weekend.  Anglers who decide to continue fishing for the remainder of the year must purchase a state fishing license at https://louisianaoutdoors.com/.

By purchasing a fishing license, you also help provide funding for public fishing and boating access, fishing programs and education, and fisheries management through the Sport Fish Restoration Fund.

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award winning outdoor journalist that resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly outdoor column for the Slidell Independent Newspaper. He also writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Commission’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He is the former host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Show and is on the board of the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association. Keith contributes to numerous publications both online and in print and prides himself on promoting South Louisiana’s unique fishery. To contact Keith email: [email protected]