The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and Parc Natchitoches collaborated to host a successful Get Out & Fish! event this past Saturday at Parc Natchitoches. Despite the stormy start to the day, over 100 anglers showed up to enjoy a day of fishing. Prior to the event, LDWF stocked the pond with 600 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):
- Zureigh Tousant
- Aubrey Haley
- Lydia Stedman
Junior Angler (ages 9-15):
- Jesse Clark
- Easton Jones
- Jaidah Goff
Adult Angler (ages 16 and older):
- Chris Gistard
- James Goff
- Ronald Gistard
Other Species Winners
Little Angler (ages 8 and under):
- Marina Beaudoin (Bluegill)
The event was made possible through generous donations from our sponsors including: Whisker Seeker, CJ’s Bait Company, Magic Bait, Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana, Raising Canes, Sweet Fruit Delights, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Museum, Gator Country Alligator Park, Cane River Candy Company, Sweet Fruit Delights, Chili’s Bar and Grill, Lasyone’s Meat Pie Kitchen, Natchitoches Times, and Plantation Treasures. Parc Natchitoches provided lunch.
Northwestern State University Fishing Team President Andrew Straughan played a major role by assisting youth fishing around the pond and offering educational activities throughout the day.
The next Get Out & Fish! kickoff event will be held on Saturday, November 19th, at Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site in Pineville. Pre-register at: https://ldwf.wufoo.com/forms/get-out-fish-forts-randolph-buhlow/
The Get Out & Fish! Program seeks to increase the number of people with access to quality 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 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 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.