Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Spring Brings Family Fishing Action at LDWF's Family Fish Fests

With spring just around the corner, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced they will again host a series of Family Fish Fest events across the state. In its second year, this program provides a unique opportunity for families to learn fishing basics and participate in activities to increase fishing knowledge and skill.

The first 50 registrants for each event will receive a complimentary rod and reel, and the first 100 registrants will receive a fishing goodie bag. Competitive categories are available for nearly all legal fish species, and every participant is automatically entered into a raffle for outdoors prizes courtesy of event sponsors.

Entry for each event is $10 per participant (except for the September 26 event), and includes a t-shirt and lunch. Participants must provide their own fishing equipment and bait. Events will begin shortly after sunrise and will conclude by noon.

The competition portion of each event will include divisions for all ages and fishing categories for multiple species, with a boat division at locations that have launch access. Live redfish and speckled trout will be tagged and released by LDWF biologists in conjunction with the Louisiana Cooperative Marine Fish Tagging Program at all saltwater locations.

Outside of the competitive arena, numerous additional outdoor activities will be available, including a mobile touch tank, fish identification, fish ageing, knot tying, casting tutorials and arts and crafts. Robbie the Redfish, LDWF's fish tagging mascot, will be onsite for photo opportunities and to greet guests.

Event information and pre-registration are available at www.wlf.la.gov/familyfishfest.

Mark your calendar for our 2015 Family Fish Fests:

April 11, 2015: Louisiana Oil & Gas Park – Jennings, La.
May 16, 2015: Ivan Lake Recreation Area – Cotton Valley, La.
June 13, 2015: Myrtle Grove Marina – Myrtle Grove, La.
July 11, 2015: Elmer's Island – Grand Isle, La.
September 26, 2015: National Hunting & Fishing Day at Waddill Wildlife Refuge – Baton Rouge, La.

The 2015 Family Fish Fest series is made possible by the following sponsors: CCA Louisiana, Pure Fishing, Dufrene Building Materials, Jeff Davis Parish Tourist Commission, Myrtle Grove Marina, Friends of Grand Isle, The Angler Magazine, Coon Neck Wildlife and Art Gallery, Faux Pas Prints, Marsh and Bayou Outfitters and Emprint Moran Printing.

Family Fish Fests are also made possible by the help of dedicated volunteers who devote time to share their fishing expertise with event participants. Volunteering with the department provides an opportunity to share your passion for fishing and other outdoor activities with anglers of all ages and levels of experience. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please email outreach@wlf.la.gov.

The series is hosted in conjunction with Pure Fishing, CCA Louisiana and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation.

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.la.gov, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Danica Williams at dwilliams@wlf.la.gov or (504) 628-7282. For press inquiries, contact Ashley Wethey at awethey@wlf.la.gov or (225) 721-0489.