Louisiana free fishing days June 11-12

This coming weekend kicks off the 20th anniversary of National Fishing and Boating Week (June 4th-12th), an annual celebration of the importance of recreational boating and fishing in America. Most states, including Louisiana, have designated "free fishing days" either the first weekend or second weekend in June.

Free fishing days are a perfect opportunity to try out fishing for the first time. Or, if you're willing to travel, to partake of fishing in another state without having to purchase a license. Some states may have certain restrictions. For example, you might be able to fish freshwater for free, but still have to buy a saltwater permit or trout permit. So please check before making plans. 

For 2022, Louisiana's free fishing days are Saturday-Sunday, June 11-12.  Here are the free fishing days for neighboring states:
Alabama - June 11
Arkansas - June 11-13
Florida - June 11-12 (freshwater only)
Mississippi - June 4-5, July 4th
Texas - June 4

For a complete list of free fishing days in all states, go to www.takemefishing.org.

Welcome to SweatFest 2022

SweatFest.... a celebration of heat, humidity, hurricanes, and horseflies. As well as lots of mosquitos. Conversely, it's also a fun time for those who love the beach, snowballs, and cutting grass.  

Memorial Day weekend is usually the kickoff for 90 degree days and 70 degree nights, and high humidity.  Enjoy the June breezes now because come July they go away and the sweating kicks up a notch. By early September, the nights are long enough for radiative cooling to take effect, even if the days are still a bit balmy.

As for tropical weather activity, the National Weather Service predicts yet another above-average year. Hard to imagine they won't be right - we're on the first day of hurricane season and already we've got a system in the Yucatan worth watching.  The remnants of Pacific hurricane Agatha are reforming into what could be Tropical Storm Alex.  Current projections show it hitting southwest Florida by the weekend.

The summer sun and heat of SweatFest bring dangers to anglers. Heat stroke is the number one threat. Bring an ice chest or cooler tote bag with water and/or sports drinks to stay hydrated. Skin exposed to high UV radiation leads to sunburn, and over time to skin cancer. Protect your skin by putting on a high-SPF waterproof sunscreen before you get on the water. Wear long sleeve breathable shirts, a rim cap or a bill cap in conjunction with a gaitor (buff). Always wear some type of cover for your feet.

Also be aware that thunderstorms can be a daily occurence in summer. At the first sign of towering  cumulus clouds, start making your way back to the launch (especially if you're in a kayak). Lightning can strike from eight miles away, so waiting for lightning to approach is not a smart option!