LDWF announces several waters reopened to fishing

After close to three months of helpless waiting and wondering about the future, at last a ray of hope shined onto Louisiana fishermen this past week.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced last Wednesday the reopening of a large portion (86 percent) of the state’s recreational fishing waters.

Just 24 hours after that victory came another as BP announced Thursday their latest cap on the well is keeping crude out of the Gulf of Mexico – at least for the time being.

The good week comes as a warm sight for the Tri-parish’s fishermen and marina owners, who hope it’s a sign that normalcy is on its way back.

“We’re all excited about them opening up the state waters,” said Bobby Terrebonne, owner of Gotcha Charter Service. “Any step in the right direction is welcome at this point … It’s slowly coming back. We’ve just got to keep hoping for the best.”

Fishermen took advantage of the LDWF’s ruling and turned out in droves to dust off their rods and reels this weekend all throughout the Tri-parish area. One of the places where business was booming the most was Grand Isle, an area of the country that has been known more for its boom and cleanup workers this summer than the fishing.

“Being able to see all of our old customers back, that’s just so special,” said a worker at Sand Dollar Marina, who asked not to be named. “To have a weekend where things are close to normal, that just feels so nice, you know? It’s been a while.”

The decision to open the waters comes after tests showed fish in the reopened areas were not adversely affected by the spill.

Local charter fisherman Neal Toups with Tuna Time Charters said he hopes the public trusts in the test results after the misconception has surfaced in recent weeks about all of Louisiana’s fish being poisoned.

“All of the tests that they did showed that all of the fish weren’t really hurt or affected by the oil,” Toups said. “It’s good that they were able to open things up. Now, hopefully people will start to get back out onto the water.”

But even despite the decision, officials urge fishermen to be aware of any abnormalities in any fish caught in the newly-opened areas.

“While I am pleased and fully support today’s action, I caution all fishermen to exercise caution while fishing in areas closed to commercial fishing,” said LDWF secretary Robert Barham.

Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal agreed with Barham’s warnings, but also lauded the decision to reopen the state’s recreational waters. The governor spent time this weekend at Bridge Side Marina in Grand Isle to share in the jubilation of those about to put their lures in the water for the first time in months.

“Not only is the reopening important for the folks who enjoy going out on the water, but this is also about the livelihoods of our people, including charter boat captains and bait fishermen or dealers,” the governor said.

But even with a large portion of Sportsman’s Paradise being back in action this past weekend, charter fishing remains at a standstill for the time being.

The watered pursued by that business are further from the coast, and are thus closer to the oil and are still off limits.

“We’re fishing in the offshore fishing that are in federal waters,” said Captain Ed Frekey with Tuna Time Charters. “Those areas still aren’t back yet, so we’re still in the same boat.”

But Jindal stressed that the entire process is a puzzle and charter fishing will soon get their industries back, as well.

“Our charter boat captains and bait dealers are ready for folks to get back on the water,” Jindal said.

Terrebonne agreed and said any small victory is welcome after the string of defeats he and his competitors have seen this summer.

“I fish strictly offshore, so those federal waters are still closed,” he said. “But we’re definitely very excited. They plugged up the leak, so hopefully it will hold. We’re happy to see anyone get back on the water.”