Sen. Bret Allain (center) and fellow Louisiana legislators gather after their trip with Bourgeois Charters to celebrate Louisiana’s long-awaited “Catch and Cook Program.”
The famous “Louisiana Speckled Trout Amandine” prepared by Galatoire’s, one of New Orleans’ most revered culinary institutions since 1905.
Louisiana Rolls Out Catch and Cook In Sportsman’s Paradise
Louisiana has tied together exceptional recreational fishing with its rich culinary heritage in a legislative move that frees anglers to have their fresh catch prepared by their favorite chefs or at one its many world-renowned restaurants.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries now offers the Louisiana Catch and Cook Program, which allows anglers to enjoy their catch at a local restaurant, prepared by their favorite chef.
Act 577, authored by Sen. Bret Allain, of Franklin, La., during the 2014 Legislative session, allows participating retail food establishments to prepare certain recreational game fish.
“The Catch and Cook Program allows fresh-caught Louisiana game fish to be served in our Louisiana restaurants, what could be better than that?” asked Sen. Allain. “It promotes recreational and charter fishing along with some of the best restaurants in the world. This program highlights what Louisiana is famous for.”
Sen. Allain recently took to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico out of Barataria, La. with fellow members of the Louisiana Legislature and outdoor media to promote the new program. Capt. Theophile Bourgeois of Bourgeois Fishing Charters hosted the group.
The group was later hosted by Galatoire’s, in New Orleans’ French Quarter, which is already a Catch and Cook participant.
“We are committed to serving the freshest of Louisiana’s indigenous seafood bounty,” said Melvin Rodrigue, president and CEO, Galatoire’s Restaurant. “Many of our patrons are avid fishermen and the opportunity to prepare their catch with Galatoire’s signature style is one we are pleased to accommodate through the Catch and Cook Program.”
The Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana is also a strong supporter of the new program.
“Louisiana is home to some of the world’s best recreational fishing and some of the world’s best restaurants, and each attracts countless visitors to our state each year,” said David Cresson, CEO of Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana. “Sen. Allain’s innovative Catch and Cook Program allows visitors and locals alike to combine the two, enriching both the experience on the water and at the table.”
For more on the Catch and Cook Program, visit www.fishla.org/catch-‐and-‐cook/.
Cut text:
LA legislators convene to celebrate the passing of the law allowing recreational anglers to bring their fresh catch to Louisiana’s famous culinary landmarks……