The Louisiana
Wildlife and Fisheries Commission officially proclaimed June
7 and 8 “No License Required” fishing days for
Louisiana citizens and visitors during their May 1 meeting.
The promotional fishing dates are provided for novices and
non-anglers as an opportunity to experience recreational fishing.
The program provides
the public with an open access fishing opportunity in an effort
to attract more people into the ranks of licensed fishermen.
Those license fees support LDWF’s conservation efforts
including habitat management. Recreational fishing licenses
for the 2008-09 fishing year will go on sale starting June
1 and will remain current until June 30, 2009.
“LDWF is
encouraging licensed recreational fishermen to introduce someone
to fishing on the weekend of June 7-8,” said John Sturgis,
LDWF education manager. “It’s an activity anyone
of any age can enjoy, even without a boat. Louisiana offers
some of the best bank and pier fishing opportunities in the
south.”
“No License
Required” fishing weekend is a part of Fishing Week
in Louisiana that runs from June 2 to June 8. The event was
created to help reverse the trend of declining participation
in outdoor activities across America.
According to a
survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children spend 44
hours a week watching TV, playing videogames and on the computer.
Research data, compiled by the Recreational Boating and Fishing
Foundation, shows that outdoor activities can also get kids
interested in nature and help with family communication.
