Family Fish Fest - September 26

9:00 am to 11:00 am:

• Registration………………………………………………………………………..9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• Fishing/Weigh-in………………………………………………………………..9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• Awards Ceremony and Giveaways ………………………………………11:00 a.m.
• National Hunting and Fishing Day Activities ……………………….9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Fishing equipment is not provided at this event; please bring your own gear and bait.
• Must abide by current state laws and regulations.
• HONOR SYSTEM – all fish entered must be caught by that participant.
• One “Angler” award per participant; winners must be present to receive prizes.
• All youth participants must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.
• All fish must be caught from shore.
• Catch-and-release only! Fish must be returned to same pond they were taken from.

Download Rules & Guidelines Here

MINI ANGLER (ages 6 & under)

• Heaviest Fish, Any Species: 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd

LITTLE ANGLER (ages 7-10)

• Heaviest Fish, Any Species: 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd

JUNIOR ANGLER (ages 11-15)

• Heaviest Fish, Any Species: 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd

• In conjunction with the annual National Hunting and Fishing Day Outdoor Festival
• Mobile touch tank, fish identification, fish tagging, knot tying, how to age a fish, casting tutorials and fish crafts

• No entry fee. Lunch, raffle ticket and activities are included.
• Each registered participant will automatically be entered into a raffle drawing for great prizes.
• The first 50 entries receive a free rod and reel, and the first 100 entries will receive a fishing goody bag.

1. Rules – Decisions of the Tournament Director are final in all matters and are not subject to appeal. By participating in the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Family Fish Fest, each contestant agrees to be bound by the Tournament Guidelines and by the rules stated herein. The Tournament Director reserves the right to not allow continued participation in the event by any contestant for any reason.
2. Participation – Participants are required to follow all applicable federal, state and local regulations and laws. Any violation may result in disqualification from the tournament. Participants must bring their own fishing gear and bait, and must provide their own container to transport live fish. See the Tournament Guidelines for specific division and category descriptions. By participating in this event, each contestant grants the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries permission to use their likeness in a photograph in any and all of its publications, video productions and promotional items, including website entries, without payment or any other consideration. These materials will become the property of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries and will not be returned.
3. Fish, Fishing Methods and Locations – All fish must be wild and caught by rod and reel utilizing conventional methods. Artificial lures and live or dead bait may be used during competition. Participants may not catch fish or weigh-in fish that have been caged or confined in an area prior to the tournament. Foul hooked fish shall not be eligible for competition. Fishing is permitted from the shore and/or piers, except areas that are designated as “off limits” or “no fishing” by private ownership or local, state and federal officials. All fish entered in the tournament must be caught by that registered participant. Each fish may only be entered in ONE category or division. Fish must be returned to the pond they were taken from. Any dead fish must be turned in to LDWF staff.
4. Entry Fee and Registration – There is no entry fee for participants. Registration may only be completed in-person the morning of the tournament. All participants will be assigned numbers according to the order of completed registration. Participants MUST check in with tournament staff to receive angler’s number prior to start of fishing. Participants MUST be present to receive any giveaways.
5. Divisions – There are three age divisions for youth:
6. Mini Angler – Youth age 6 or under.
7. Little Angler – Youth age 7-10.
8. Junior Angler – Youth age 11-15.
9. Safety – At the discretion of the Tournament Director, the tournament may be shortened or canceled due to unsafe conditions. The tournament will not start under a U.S. Coast Guard “Gale or Storm Warning” or until “Safe Light” is determined. Participants are expected to use their best judgment. No action by the Tournament should be construed as an endorsement or representation concerning whether it is safe to continue fishing at any given time. The Tournament will not give advice or recommendations to participants concerning weather conditions.
10. Sportsmanship – All Participants are required to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety, conservation and to conduct themselves in a manner that will be a credit to themselves, LDWF personnel and staff, and event sponsors and the sport of fishing. If conduct does not comply with the standards set forth, the Tournament Director shall have the right to refuse any entry, or to deny confirmed entry of a previously accepted entry, or disqualify a participant.
11. Official Checkpoints – There will be one official weigh-in location. It will be near the water and designated by a tent with the LDWF logo.
12. Scoring – The total weight of each participant’s catch during the tournament shall be measured and recorded by the Weigh Master. Any fish that appears to have been mangled, mashed, mauled or otherwise altered will not be weighed at the discretion of the Weigh Masters. Participants may only place in one category, can only receive one award each, and must be present to accept prize. In the event of a tie, placement will be decided by the first fish that was weighed-in. The Tournament Director may award additional prizes at their discretion.
13. Liability – Participation of Contestants in the LDWF Family Fish Fest is voluntary and at their own risk. By virtue of participating, Contestants agree to protect, defend, indemnify, save and hold harmless, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation, the State of Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, its Commission, and all officers, agents, servants, employees, and volunteers thereof, from and against any and all claims, damages, expenses, and liability arising out of injury or death to any person or the damage, loss or destruction of any property which may occur, or in any way grow out of, any act or omission of Contestant in connection with participation in the Tournament, or any and all costs, expenses and/or attorney fees incurred by Contestant as a result of any claims, demands, suits, or causes of action arising out of participation in the Tournament. Contestant agrees to investigate, handle, respond to, provide defense for and defend any such claims, demands, suits, or causes of action at its sole expense and agrees to bear all other costs and expenses related thereto, even if the claims, demands, suits, or causes of action are groundless, false or fraudulent.