The Office of State Parks (OSP) continues the partnership with the Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) of supporting outdoor recreation opportunities during the 2010 Free Fishing Weekend (June 12-13) and free day-use admission at selected State Parks’ facilities on June 12.
“We’re happy to continue partnering with Wildlife& Fisheries, after the success of last year’s event,” said Dr. Stuart Johnson, Assistant Secretary for the Office of State Park. “Offering outdoor recreational opportunities, healthy lifestyle activities and a place to have quality time with family and friends is an integral part of the Office of State Parks’ mission.”
First time fishermen and parents or guardians with children can introduce someone to the sport at family fishing events scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following sites:
• BayouSegnetteState Park (Westwego)
• ChicotState Park (Ville Platte)
• FontainebleauState Park (Mandeville)
• HodgesGardensState Park (Florien)
• LakeD’Arbonne State Park (Farmerville)
Entrance fees at these sites will be waived on Saturday, June 12. OSP Interpretive Ranger staff and LDWF Education staff will provide assistance for park visitors on June 12 within the day-use areas at the family fishing event sites. Fishing supplies (poles and bait) will be available in limited supplies on a first come, first serve basis. Participants are encouraged to bring their own gear and enjoy the day fishing from a pier or bank-side location.
Complimentary gift bags will be available for the first 100 participants to sign in within the day-use area at each park. Visitors are urged to bring a picnic lunch and soft drinks and spend the day. Vending machines on site provide soft drinks, but no food service is available at State Park sites. All children (under age 15) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
“LDWF is encouraging licensed recreational fishermen to introduce someone to fishing on the weekend of June 12-13,” 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.”
Free Fishing Weekend is a part of Fishing Week in Louisiana that runs from June 7 to June 13. The event was created to help reverse the trend of declining participation in outdoor activities across America.
More information about LouisianaState Parks and Historic Sites, visit www.lastateparks.com.


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