2021 Louisiana Recreational Fishing Regulations
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2021 LOUISIANA RECREATIONAL FISHING REGULATIONS www.wlf.louisiana.gov 1 Get a GEICO quote for your boat and, in just 15 minutes, you’ll know how much you could be saving. If you like what you hear, you can buy your policy right on the spot. Then let us do the rest while you enjoy your free time with peace of mind. geico.com/boat | 1-800-865-4846 Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2020 GEICO CONTENTS 6. LICENSING 9. DEFINITIONS DON’T 11. GENERAL FISHING INFORMATION General Regulations.............................................11 Saltwater/Freshwater Line...................................12 LITTER 13. FRESHWATER FISHING SPORTSMEN ARE REMINDED TO: General Information.............................................13 • Clean out truck beds and refrain from throwing Freshwater State Creel & Size Limits....................16 cigarette butts or other trash out of the car or watercraft. 18. SALTWATER FISHING • Carry a trash bag in your car or boat. General Information.............................................18 • Securely cover trash containers to prevent Saltwater State Creel & Size Limits.......................21 animals from spreading litter. 26. OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES Call the state’s “Litterbug Hotline” to report any Recreational Shrimping........................................26 potential littering violations including dumpsites Recreational Oystering.........................................27 and littering in public. Those convicted of littering Recreational Crabbing..........................................28 Recreational Crawfishing......................................29 face hefty fines and litter abatement work. Reptiles & Amphibians........................................30 (Littering is a violation of L.R.S.30:2531 et seq.) 32. WMA & REFUGE REGULATIONS 1-888-LITRBUG 38. BOATING SAFETY 39. FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Commerce strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination in departmental federally assist- ed programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility operated by a recipient of federal assistance should write to: Director, Office for Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington D.C. 20240. DISCLAIMER This publication is not an official copy of the laws in effect and should not be utilized or relied upon as such. It does represent an attempt by the publish- er to present, as a public service, a partial summary of the laws in effect at the time of the printing of this publication. Substantive changes to the law may very well occur following the printing of this publication. For these reasons, the accuracy of the information contained within this publication cannot be guaranteed and the reader is cautioned that it is his responsibility to apprise himself of the laws in effect at any given time. These laws include those contained within Revised Statutes, particularly Title 56, the official regulations of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, federal laws and any local or parish ordinances. Contact your local LDWF Enforcement Agent for specific information. Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination in departmental federally assisted programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility oper- ated by a recipient of federal assistance should write to: Director, Office for Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington D.C. 20240. This public document was published at a total cost of $29,700. 200,000 copies of this public document were published in the first printing at a cost of $29,700. This document was published by J.F. Griffin Publishing, 33 Main St, North Adams, MA 01247 for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to provide regulations on the 2021 fishing season. This material was printed in accordance with the standards for printing by state agencies established pursuant to R.S. 43:31. Printing of this material was purchased in accordance with the provisions of Title 43 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. For advertising inquiries call (413)884-1099. LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE & FISHERIES P.O. Box 98000 2000 Quail Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70898 225-765-2800 John Bel Edwards, Governor For updated information and Jack Montoucet, Secretary the latest regulations Robert Shadoin, Deputy Secretary Bryan McClinton, Undersecretary visit us online at Randy Myers, Assistant Secretary www.wlf.louisiana.gov Patrick Banks, Assistant Secretary Scott Longman, Deputy Assistant Secretary INFORMATION HOTLINE DIVISION ADMINISTRATORS Jason Froeba, Fisheries 1-800-256-2749 Kenny Ribbeck, Wildlife Buddy Baker, Coastal & Nongame Resources Col. Chad Hebert, Enforcement HELP STOP WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES COMMISSION POACHING William D. “Bill’’ Hogan, chairman REPORT GAME Jerri G. Smitko, vice-chairman VIOLATIONS Andrew Blanchard Dusty J. Guidry Operation Game Thief Alfred R. “Al” Sunseri 1-800-442-2511 Chad J. Courville 24 hours a day - 7 days a week William J. “Joe” McPherson LDWF MISSION STATEMENT To manage, conserve, and promote wise utilization of Louisiana’s renewable fish and wildlife resources and their supporting habitats through replenishment, protection, enhancement, research, development, and education for the social and economic benefit of current and future generations; to provide opportunities for knowledge of and use and enjoyment of these resources; and to promote a safe and healthy en- vironment for the users of the resources New regulations appear in red text throughout the pamphlet. MAJOR CHANGES FOR 2021 1. During the 2020 legislative session, Res/NR Purple Heart licenses were created (see Licensing section). 2. Bussey Brake has been added with special fishing regulations. See pages 16-17 and 33. 3. Detailed information on Best Fishing Practices is now available on our website at: www.wlf.la.gov/page/best-fishing-practices. See page 11 for more information. MARINE FISHERIES Please refer to the LDWF website for current information: www.wlf.la.gov/fishing/recreational-fishing 1. During 2021, 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. 2. During the 2019 legislative session, language was amended regarding the placement of escape rings in crab traps. 3. The recreational minimum length limits for male shortfin mako sharks has changed to 71 inches fork length and 83 inches fork length for female shortfin mako sharks. 4. The minimum length limit of recreationally harvested cobia has changed to 36 inches fork length. 2 2021 Recreational Fishing Regulations Never lose electricity again! Own the #1 brand in home standby power. 8 out of 10 buyers choose Generac Home CALL for FREE Generator Standby Generators to automatically provide Buyer’s Guide and… electricity to their homes during power Limited Time outages. 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Pineville 318-487-5634 Baton Rouge 225-765-2999 New Orleans 504-284-2023 Lake Charles 337-491-2580 Lafayette 337-262-2080 Minden