During the first month and a half of the stay at home order, Louisianans purchased thousands of fishing licenses more than they did during the same time in 2019.
The April purchases of basic fishing license and saltwater licenses far exceeded sales for the past three prior years over the same month. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet said,
“This is fantastic that our residents decided that Louisiana’s Sportsman’s Paradise is where they wanted to spend some time during the pandemic, It’s no secret that fishing is in our blood, but we have been pulled away due to so many competing activities. The stay-at-home order showed that when given the time, Louisianans will choose to fish.”
Louisiana’s stay at home order went into effect in late March. That order included restrictions that involved the limiting of group gatherings not to exceed 10 and required social distancing of 6 feet apart. Many people were working from home or not working or just needed to get out. The license numbers show they quickly decided to get outdoors and wet a line.
These numbers are illustrating that Louisiana is truly a Sportsman’s Paradise. Secretary Montoucet said he hopes the upward trend toward fishing continues into the coming months and beyond.
