Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP)

A Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) is required to possess tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, cobia, wahoo, gray triggerfish, and dolphinfish in Louisiana waters. This permit is free of charge.

You do not need an ROLP if you do not fish offshore, if you only go offshore on charter boats as a client, or if you do not fish for or land those species. So, if you are fishing for speckled trout offshore, you do not need an ROLP. But if you land red snapper, you do.

Private recreational anglers, including those fishing from vessels with a valid federal Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permit, are required to have a valid ROLP to possess tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, cobia, wahoo, and dolphinfish in Louisiana waters. Minors (under 18) are not required to have an ROLP. Again, only register for an ROLP if you are planning to go on a private, recreational offshore trip.

Charter captains, including those fishing from vessels with a valid federal charter/headboat permit, are required to have a valid Charter ROLP to possess tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, cobia, wahoo, and dolphinfish in Louisiana waters. A Charter ROLP covers all paying anglers on a charter trip. A Charter ROLP is also valid for the captain on any private, recreational offshore trips he may take. Charter captains should not get a separate ROLP for private trips; they only need a Charter ROLP.

Get an ROLP

You can obtain, view, or renew an ROLP online. (If you’re using Internet Explorer above version 8.0, you may experience issues. If so, try an alternate browser such as Google Chrome or Firefox.) You will need to have your LDWF Saltwater, Lifetime Fishing, or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing license number ready. You will also need a working email address. If you do not know your 10-digit Lifetime Hunting/Fishing license number, you can look it up on our licensing site.

If you have any questions or experience any issues, please leave feedback or contact Jason Adriance (jadriance@wlf.la.gov, 504.284.2032), Nicole Smith (nsmith@wlf.la.gov, 225.765.2365), or Ty Lindsey (tlindsey@wlf.la.gov, 225.765.2387). We will respond to emails/calls during normal business hours.

FAQs

What is an ROLP?

An ROLP (Recreational Offshore Landing Permit) is a free permit that is required in addition to all other applicable licenses and/or permits to possess the following offshore fish species or species groups in Louisiana state waters:

Tunas
Billfish
Swordfish
Amberjacks
Snappers
Groupers
Hinds
Cobia
Wahoo
Dolphinfish
Gray Triggerfish

What is the purpose of the ROLP?

LDWF developed the Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) to better quantify and characterize the universe of recreational anglers that fish beyond Louisiana’s territorial waters.

Do anglers under 18 years of age need an ROLP?

No.

I am not required to possess a Louisiana fishing license because I was born before June 1, 1940. Do I need an ROLP?

Yes. When registering for an ROLP, you must input your date of birth for verification of age prior to adding a permit to your account.

I am an offshore charter captain who also fishes offshore species recreationally. Which license type do I choose when registering for an ROLP?

You should register for a Charter ROLP only.

I am going on a charter trip as a client. Do I need an ROLP?

No. The charter captain is required to have a Charter ROLP covering all clients onboard.

I am a charter captain. Do I need an ROLP?

Yes, but only if you or anyone onboard intends to keep specified offshore species. A Charter ROLP covers all clients on your boat.

I do not fish offshore very often. Should I get an ROLP just to be safe?

No. Register for an ROLP only if you are planning to go on a private, recreational offshore trip. If you do not fish offshore or only go offshore on charter boats as a client, please do not register for an ROLP.

Can I register more than one person under one account or email?

No, Each permit holder will need to have their own account.

How do I find my LDWF license number?

Go to the account dashboard on our licensing site. Log in using your social security number or driver's license number to find your LDWF license number.

Do I enter the dashes with my LDWF license number when registering for an ROLP?

No, enter the 10-digit LDWF license number without dashes.

What should I do if my LDWF Lifetime License number is not 10 digits?

Enter your LDWF Lifetime License number as 10 digits by using leading zeros prior to your LDWF Lifetime License number.

What should I do if the system tells me my LDWF license number or email is already in use when attempting to register for an ROLP?

This means you already have an ROLP account and should log into the account by using the email and password you created when you first signed up for an ROLP account.

Can I register for an ROLP with a temporary authorization number?

Yes. When registering, select “Temporary” as the license type and enter the temporary license authorization number as the license number. An ROLP that is renewed or registered with a temporary authorization will expire in 10 days unless an appropriate LDWF license number is added to the ROLP.

I forgot my password. How do I get a new one?

How do I change my email address?

Once you’re logged into your account, click the “Profile” button to edit your email or password.

How do I change my password if I don’t use the email on my account anymore?

Please email us at ROLP@wlf.la.gov.

How do I change my address or contact information?

Currently, changes to contact information (e.g., mailing address, phone number) cannot be made once an account is set up. However, that ability will be available soon.

Do I need a copy of my ROLP when I go offshore fishing?

Yes, you must have a printed or electronic copy of your ROLP in your possession while fishing.

Am I required to report my landings?

Harvest reporting is voluntary and, currently, red snapper is the only species ROLP harvest reporting will accept. We encourage ROLP holders to report red snapper harvest through the ROLP website. One ROLP holder from a fishing party should report harvest for the entire party to prevent duplicating data.