Free Fishing Days, 2020-21 licenses now available

Each year, wildlife agencies in each state designate a "Free Fishing Day(s)" for the public to fish recreationally in public waters without a fishing license. These events are part of National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs June 6-14, 2020.

This year, Louisiana's free fishing days are this Saturday and Sunday, June 13 & 14.

It should be noted that while there is no cost (license) required to fish on these days, certain species or types of fishing may still require a permit. For example, a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) is required to possess tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, cobia, wahoo, and dolphinfish in Louisiana waters. This permit is free of charge.

Speaking of licenses... Louisiana annual fishing licenses for 2019-2020 expire June 30th at midnight, after which you'll need a 2020-2021 license. The new licenses became available on June 1st, and are good from the time of purchase thru June 30 of 2021.

Licenses can be purchased in several ways: (1) online at https://la-web.s3licensing.com, (2) at local license vendors, and (3) at LDWF offices in Baton Rouge, Opelousas, Lake Charles, Pineville and Monroe. Acceptable methods of payment made online are Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.