The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), Louisiana State Parks, and Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site (SHS) collaborated to host a successful Get Out & Fish! event this past Saturday at Forts Randolph & Buhlow SHS in Pineville. Despite the chilly weather throughout the day, 80 anglers showed up to enjoy a day of fishing. Prior to the event, LDWF stocked the pond with 1,000 pounds of adult size channel catfish, providing an excellent opportunity for anglers of all ages to catch and take home nice catfish.
Catfish Winners
Little Angler (ages 8 and under):
- Brooklyn Marler
Junior Angler (ages 9-15):
- Rayshawn Martin
- Ayden Stewart
- Antonio Latchie
Adult Angler (ages 16 and older):
- Terry Shreeman
- Melissa Shreeman
- Brad Stewart
The event was made possible through the generous donations from our sponsors and partners including: Louisiana State Parks, Whisker Seeker, CJ’s Bait Company, Magic Bait, Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana, Pure Fishing Tackle, City of Pineville, City of Pineville Community Police Department, Raising Canes, Community Coffee, Red River Bank, LSUA, Louisiana History Museum, Ol’ Mel’s Farm, Academy Sports and Outdoors, Security Sporting Goods, Hobby Lobby, Paul & Melba St. Romain, Poole Bros. Nursery, and JB Photography.
Lunch was provided by the City of Pineville Police Department and the awards ceremony would not have been complete without a performance by the Pineville Elementary School Drum Corps.
The next Get Out & Fish! kickoff event will be held in the spring of 2023.
The Get Out & Fish! Program seeks to increase the number of people with access to quality fishing and to 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 to join the Get Out & Fish! community fishing program. These community fishing sites are stocked in the spring and fall with adult size Channel Catfish and in the winter with Rainbow Trout (weather permitting).
LDWF’s Get Out & Fish! Program is supported by the Federal Aid Sport Fish Restoration Program and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation. For more information on the Get Out & Fish! Program, contact GOF@wlf.la.gov or visit www.wlf.la.gov/GOF. You can also follow us or tag us on Facebook and Instagram @LDWFGetOutandFish.
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.
