The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries celebrated the launch of its new Get Out and Fish! Program with its first fishing event last Saturday in Girard Park in Lafayette.  The Department’s long-term goal is that these events will translate into future avid anglers who enjoy, conserve and even one day manage our great resources here in Louisiana.
 
LDWF hosted the event in partnership with the City of Lafayette to promote the new community fishing location, and attendance far surpassed staff’s expectations with over 250 registered anglers.
 
“The positive response from event participants was overwhelming,” said Fisheries Program Manager Danica Williams.  “Anglers explained they often drive two or three hours simply to fish.  The convenience of the short drive, even walk for some, greatly appealed to those in search of a quality fishing destination close to home.”
 
The Get Out and Fish! Program seeks to increase the number of people with access to quality fishing.  The program intends to recruit new anglers to the sport of fishing and promote outdoor activities for future generations.  In order to accomplish this mission, public water bodies that meet the required specifications are chosen by LDWF biologists and stocked on a regular basis for up to one year.  LDWF will promote the launch of each new site with a Get Out and Fish! event, so be sure to stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding your area of the state.
 
Girard Park Pond, the first waterbody chosen for the new program, was stocked with 800 pounds of adult channel catfish in preparation for the event.  LDWF will continue to stock the pond for up to one year, based on continued angler interest and participation.  Beginning in December through February 2015, the pond will be stocked with adult rainbow trout followed by a stocking of adult channel catfish in warmer months of March through June.
 
With help from numerous sponsors, including The Beaver Club of Lafayette, Buckfins-N-Feathers, CC’s Coffee, Cajun Guns and Tackle, HDR, Inc., Home Depot, The Lafayette Consolidated Government, Louisiana Nursery, Pure Fishing, Raising Cane’s and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Bass Fishing Team, families across Acadiana were introduced to a fun and free day of fishing.  The first 100 registrants received a complimentary rod and reel and goodie bag, and every participant was entered into a number of prize drawings held throughout the day.
 
The Get Out and Fish! Program is hosted in conjunction with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation.  The LWFF was formed to provide a means for individuals and corporations to become partners with the Department and Commission in the challenge of conserving Louisiana’s wildlife and fish resources.