Welcome to 2023 Louisiana Fishing

Major Changes for 2023

Please refer to the LDWF website for current information: www.wlf.la.gov/fishing/recreational-fishing

1. Dip nets, landing nets, minnow traps, crab nets or crab lines all require a minimum of a Hook and Line License; if you do not already possess a basic fishing license and saltwater license (if applicable).

Marine Fisheries

1. A Notice of Intent to change the ROLP age to 18 and older will go before the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission in December 2021. Please check our website for updates to this rule: www.wlf.la.gov/page/rolp. -
2. During 2023, the use of recreational crab traps will be prohibited in designated derelict crab trap cleanup areas. Please check our website for the most recent information.
3. Beginning on Oct. 15, 2022, the recreational and commercial harvest and possession of southern flounder by any gear will be prohibited from Oct. 15 - Nov. 30 of each year
4. The LWFC is considering rule changes to adjust the size and possession limits of swordfish to a minimum of 25 inches Cleithrum to Caudal Keel Length or 47 inches Lower Jaw to Fork Length from a 33 pounds dressed weight or 29 inches carcass length. Further rule changes considered would limit swordfish possession to 1 per person or 4 per vessel on private recreational vessels, 1 per person or 6 per vessel on charter vessels, and 1 per person or 15 per vessel on head boats from the previous 1 per person or 5 per vessel for all vessels.
5. The LWFC is considering rule changes to add roundscale spearfish with a 66 inch Lower Jaw to Fork Length minimum size limit to current billfish regulations as this is a distinct species from white marlin.
6. The LWFC is considering rule changes to remove the recreational and commercial closed season for the harvest of sharks, which is currently April 1 - June 30 of each year.
7. NOAA has established regulations in federal waters that require a descending device or venting tool be set up and ready for use on a vessel, when fishing for Gulf reef fish in the Gulf EEZ, through Jan. 14, 2026.
8. As of July 1, 2022, all escape rings on a crab trap must be no more than one mesh length from a corner.