You could be the world’s best fisherman, but before the Catch & Cook legislation passed last year, you would be out of luck if you couldn’t cook. For decades, Louisiana was one of the few states that it was illegal to have a restaurant cook your fish.
“What we did with this legislation was we did the Catch and Cook program, so game fish like speckled trout that had never been able to be served in restaurants in New Orleans or anywhere for the last 20 or 30 years can now be legally caught, and brought to the restaurant and cooked for the angler and the guest.” said Senator Bret Allain, R-Franklin.
For a state that thrives on fishing, it has been a let down for visitors of sportsman’s paradise.
Local charter captain Theophile Bourgeois out of Barataria sees this new law as a boost for the economy.
“Down here in the bayou it was a disappointment for people to come down here and catch these great fish and couldn’t take it, so they’d leave it here at the dock, but now with participating restaurants we can use it as a marketing tool to say come on down, come enjoy the bayou, enjoy the fishing and then have it prepared at your favorite restaurant” said Bourgeois.
The Catch & Cook plan allows charter captains to review a fish handling video, and send their clients off with properly packaged fish to be cooked at restaurants.
“For me, so close to the city I’m 19 miles from bourbon street. ya know people wanna come in and do a day trip, fish for 6-7 hours and go have that fish cooked that’s marketing man, yeah and we’re doing it the right way” Bourgeois said.
And chefs are excited too.
Greg Reggio of Zea’s Restaurant said “I am so happy now this program is in place, because now it will give everyone opportunity, there is nothin’ like fresh fish that comes out of these waters n’ all.”
The plan has plenty of support from the state.
“I think this is a great program, its a great partnership with wildlife and Fisheries and the Louisiana restaurant association, we’re proud and excited to be here and be a part of this.” said Danielle Leger of the Louisiana Restaurant Association
Senator Allain said it best, “Every gulf state has great fish but none of them have the great restaurants we have here in Louisiana.”
Supporters of the bill encourage tourists and locals alike to take advantage, and bring your fish to all the restaurants the state has to offer.