LDWF biologists are on the dock every day,
sampling catch and surveying anglers. Because
of this intense coverage, LA Creel provides
more precise landings estimates and allows the
department to accurately count species as they
are landed.
During yesterday’s announcement ceremony, LWFF Executive Director Kell McInnis
presented the boat keys to Pratt and her son
Colton. Pratt’s husband is currently working
overseas, but that didn’t keep him from missing
out on the event. Pratt FaceTimed with him on
her cellphone, giving him a detailed tour of
every inch of their new 22-foot Bullsbay.
“It felt like a dream. Actually, it still feels like
a dream,” recalled Pratt when she received the
call from McInnis informing her of her good fortune. When asked if she fished often, Pratt said,
“We’re a family of fishermen, but haven’t done
much saltwater fishing before. We definitely can
now.” Pratt’s son added they’re ready to take
the boat out for its maiden voyage this weekend.
“We particularly want to thank the sponsors
who donated prizes and made this promotion a
reality,” said McInnis. “Through their generosity
we were able to reward anglers who are committed to helping the department provide the
best data possible on our fisheries.”
“When you purchase a fishing license, you
help protect, preserve and manage Louisiana’s
bountiful fishing grounds for generations to
come,” explained McInnis. “Fishery conservation extends beyond our angling public and
touches all Louisiana residents, so we hoped
this promotion also served as a motivational
tool to entice those outside of the angling community and those who left the sport to support
the efforts of the department and purchase a license.”
Pratt and her son walked away with the keys
to their new boat and huge grins on their faces
with McInnis sending them off with wishes of
“many hours of pleasure on the water.”