The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is encouraging licensed fishermen to help promote the outdoor sport by introducing someone to fishing during this year’s “Free Fishing Weekend” on June 9-10.

The promotional fishing dates are provided for novices and non-anglers, ages 16 and over, to experience recreational fishing in fresh or salt water without the purchase of a recreational fishing license. The program is part of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) efforts to attract more participants into the ranks of licensed fishermen. Fishing license fees support LDWF's conservation efforts including habitat management.

"No fishing license will be required for residents or non-residents on the weekend of June 9-10," said John Sturgis, LDWF education manager. "If you fish regularly, use this opportunity to bring someone along who may not.”

"Free Fishing Weekend" is a part of Fishing Week in Louisiana that runs from June 4 to 10. The state offers some of the best bank and pier fishing opportunities in the south within state and parish park facilities.

In conjunction with Free Fishing Weekend, LDWF is working with supporting sponsors to offer the following events on Saturday, June 9:

Kids Fishing Rodeo at Waddill Wildlife Refuge

4142 N. Flannery Road, Baton Rouge

Fishing competition from 7 to 11 a.m.

Loaner fishing gear will be available first come, first serve.

Prizes to be awarded at 11:15 a.m. provided by Bass Pro Shops-Denham Springs.

All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For more information, call 225-274-8089.

Lake D’Arbonne State Park Kids Fishing Derby

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. with awards to be presented before noon.Contest age groups, 6-9 and 10-14.

Grand prizes: 2 bicycles donated by Academy Sports & Outdoors; one per age group.

Fishing gear: 100 fiberglass fishing poles donated by the Association of LA Bass Clubs will be given out free to the first 100 kids.

LDWF will provide bait for the fishing contest.

All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For more information, call Lake D'Arbonne State Park at 318-368-6291.

Louisiana Saltwater Series Youth Fishing Event at Elmer’s Island

LA Hwy. 1, Grand Isle

Tournament hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

First 50 youth to sign up will receive a free rod and reel to bring home from Cabela’s. Register online at www.lasaltwaterseries.com .

Additional activities: fish tagging, cast netting, seining, fish cleaning demo.

All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Call Danica Williams for more information, ph. 504-628-7282.

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

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