FISHING LICENSES

Persons taking fish, whether recreationally or commercially, and persons involved in the fish industry, including wholesale/retail dealers and transporters, and vessels involved in the fish industry must be licensed.

All recreational licenses are valid from the date of purchase and expire on June 30 each year. In addition to other bona fide residency requirements, a Louisiana Driver's License or Louisiana ID Card issued by the Department of Public Safety is required to purchase resident recreational hunting and fishing licenses.

Title 56, Section 302.1.C.(1) requires that all recreational anglers fishing south of the ?saltwater line? for saltwater species have in their possession a Louisiana saltwater angler's license IN ADDITION TO a basic Louisiana fishing license EXCEPT those persons otherwise exempted. All regulations apply regardless of where the fish is taken.

A recreational fisherman must purchase and have in possession a valid basic recreational fishing license to possess fish in Louisiana waters or to use the following:

1. Bow and arrow
2. A barbed or barbless spear
3. Frog gig/catcher
4. Scuba Gear
5. Hook & line (trot line)
6. Cast net with a radius not to exceed 8 ft. 6 in.
7. Rod and reel

Persons who obtain resident licenses when not complying with the bona fide residency requirements as stated in the definition section will be subject to criminal and/or civil sanctions.

For more information on recreational licenses and fees, click here.

All commercial licenses expire on December 31 each year, unless otherwise noted.

For more information on commercial license fees, click here.