The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is excited to offer the newest Fishing Course Series class, Beginner Saltwater Fishing, on Saturday, October 19th. This class will focus on teaching anglers useful information for improving their success fishing in saltwater conditions. This info includes discussions on weather, tides, fish behavior, and tackle. The pilot courses will be held in the Lake Charles area at Prien Lake Park and Calcasieu Point Landing. Following the FCS format, the class will run 2-hours with a mix of lecture and hands-on application and fishing, as well as time set aside for questions and discussion. Participants will also take home complementary information and tackle items courtesy of Take Me Fishing, H&H Lure, and Salt Strong.

Additional upcoming fall Fishing Course Series include Intro to Fishing and Beginner Catfishing in Vidalia, Baton Rouge, Hammond, and Walker. Courses are scheduled through November and several will coincide with the second fall Get Out & Fish! catfish stockings.

Each 2-hour class will be open to all ages and limited to 10 participants, with a waitlist option. Equipment will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own gear as well. All in attendance will receive a take-home bag with useful information and sample lures related to the course. Anglers 18 & older must possess a valid recreational fishing license to participate, and anglers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

To register for one of the FCS courses, visit Lousianaoutdoors.com/events and select the event type “Fishing Ed” to see all available FCS courses. If you need assistance registering, please contact outreach@wlf.la.gov or call Joshua Porter (225) 763-3540. For more information on the Fishing Course Series and Get Out & Fish! programs, please visit wlf.louisiana.gov/page/fishing-workshops and wlf.louisiana.gov/page/get-out-and-fish.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit www.wlf.la.gov, www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

The Fishing Course Series is hosted in conjunction with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF). The LAWFF was formed to help expand and support LDWF education and research programs with additional resources developed through its own facilities. Encouraging support for LDWF programs is the major focus of the Foundation, accomplished by connecting people and businesses with Louisiana’s natural resources. For more information, visit www.lawff.org.

The Fishing Course Series is funded by the Sport Fish Restoration Fund, a USFWS grant program that provides grant funds to the states, the District of Columbia and insular areas fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access and aquatic education.