Louisianans purchased thousands more fishing licenses during the first month and half of Gov. John Bel Edwards COVID-19 pandemic-fighting stay-at-home order than they did during the same time in 2019.

In fact, the April purchases of basic fishing license and saltwater licenses far exceeded sales for the past three prior years over the same month.

Here are the results. In April, residents purchased 39,702 basic fishing licenses compared to 18,901 in April of 2019 (a 53% increase). In April of 2020, there were 21,000 saltwater licenses sold compared to 13,771 in April of 2019 (a 35% increase).

“This is fantastic that our residents decided that Louisiana’s Sportsman’s Paradise is where they wanted to spend some time during the pandemic,” said LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet. “It’s no secret that fishing is in our blood, but we have been pulled away due to so many competing activities. The stay-at-home order showed that when given the time, Louisianans will choose to fish.”

The governor’s stay-at-home order went into effect in late March. That order included restrictions that involved the limiting of group gatherings not to exceed 10 and required social distancing of 6 feet apart. Many people were working from home, were not working or just needed to get out. The license numbers show they quickly decided to get outdoors and wet a line.

Here’s more evidence. In March of this year, LDWF sold 15,162 saltwater licenses compared to 12,995 during the prior March. There were 28,800 basic fishing licenses sold in March, compared to 20,550 in March 2019 (a 29% increase).

Secretary Montoucet said he hopes the upward trend toward fishing continues into the coming months and beyond. “Please buy a license. It helps us provide the programs and science needed to maintain Louisiana’s Sportsman’s Paradise.”

Media: Fishing images and b-roll can be found at https://ldwf.canto.com/v/GenericFamilyFishingImages

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. LDWF receives no state general funding and depends on license sales as a major funding source.  Help us protect your hunting and fishing heritage while preserving habitat, wildlife, and aquatic resources by purchasing your license at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email or text alerts signup here.