The COVID-19 restrictions has resulted in more people dropping a line in one of Louisiana’s many waterways. State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Ed Pratt says Louisianans purchased thousands of more fishing licenses during the first month and half of the stay at home order than they did during the same time in 2019.
“In April, we sold 39,702 basic licenses and in all April of 2019 we sold 18,901 licenses, so you can see the huge difference,” said Pratt.
Pratt says the sales are not just limited to the basic fishing license as the saltwater fishing license has also seen a 35% increase.
“We sold 21,000 saltwater licenses now compare that to 2019 we sold 13,771, people want to get out on the water,” said Pratt.
The spike in sales was noticeable as early as March, but Pratt says there is never a bad time to take up fishing as it is great for social distancing and it won’t break the bank.
“A basic license is just $9.50, a saltwater license is $13 and a senior license for people is 60 and over is just $5,” said Pratt.
Sales of licenses help provide funding for various LDWF programs.
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