Complete Guide to Louisiana Fishing Licenses

Anglers in Louisiana are fortunate to be blessed with some fantastic fishing, but if we want that to continue, we all need to do our part, which involves purchasing the correct fishing license. By being responsible anglers, we can ensure that the excellent fishing opportunities in Louisiana continue for many years to come.

In the following guide to buying a fishing permit in Louisiana, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including:

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Types of Fishing Licenses

The state of Louisiana offers anglers a variety of different permits and license options to both resident anglers and non-resident anglers. 

Resident Fishing Licenses:

• Basic Fishing (includes all legal recreational freshwater gear).
• Saltwater (Basic Fishing License required; consists of all legal recreational saltwater gear).
• Hook and Line (cane pole).
• Senior Hunting/Fishing.

Non-Resident Fishing Licenses:

• Basic Fishing (includes all legal recreational freshwater gear).
• Saltwater (Basic Fishing License required; includes all legal recreational saltwater gear).

Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP)

Private recreational anglers are required to have a valid Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) to possess Tunas, Billfish, Swordfish, Amberjacks, Groupers, Snappers, Hinds, Cobia, Wahoo, or Dolphinfish in Louisiana waters. This permit is free of charge. Minors (under age 18) are not required to have an ROLP.

To learn more about license costs and types, please visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries website.

Cost of Fishing Licenses

The state of Louisiana offers anglers a variety of different permits and license options to both resident anglers and non-resident anglers, each with its own corresponding costs. Choose the option most appropriate to your personal situation. To learn more about license costs and types, please visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries website.

Resident Fishing Licenses:

• $17 – Basic Fishing (includes all legal recreational freshwater gear).
• $15 – Saltwater (Basic Fishing License required; includes all legal recreational saltwater gear).
• $5 – Hook and Line (cane pole).
• $5 – Senior Hunting/Fishing.

Non-Resident Fishing Licenses:

• $68 – Basic Fishing (includes all legal recreational freshwater gear).
• $60 – Saltwater (Basic Fishing License required; includes all legal recreational saltwater gear).

Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP)

Private recreational anglers are required to have a valid Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) to possess Tunas, Billfish, Swordfish, Amberjacks, Groupers, Snappers, Hinds, Cobia, Wahoo, or Dolphinfish in Louisiana waters. 

Cost: $0. This permit is free of charge. Minors (under age 18) are not required to have an ROLP.

Age Requirements for Fishing License

To support residents, Louisiana offers a variety of discounted licenses and permit exemptions. These exemptions include:

• Licenses are available at special discounted rates for seniors, military, students, and people with disabilities. 
• Lifetime licenses are also available.

Residents and non-resident anglers under the age of 18 (17 and under) are not required to have either a Basic License or Saltwater Fishing License in the state of Louisiana. 

Any resident who was born before June 1^st, 1940, and has lived in Louisiana for six months or longer is not required to have either a Basic License or Saltwater Fishing License in the state of Louisiana.

Please note that if you are fishing under an age exemption, you must carry proof of age with you at all times while fishing.

Where to Obtain a Fishing License

Louisiana offers several convenient ways for both residents and non-residents to purchase a fishing license or permit. These include:

1. You can purchase your angling license online via the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website here.
2. You can also purchase them via the phone by calling the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
3. In-person at LDWF Headquarters at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge and many authorized local retailers.

All fees collected from license purchases in Louisiana contribute to conservation programs, habitat protection, and fishery management to ensure the ongoing health of the fishery.

All permits are available for purchase from June 1^st and expire annually on June 30^th of the following year.

Complete Guide to Louisiana Fishing Licenses – Conclusion

Hopefully, now, thanks to the information above, you’ll have a clear idea of what type of license you need in Louisiana, how much they cost, and where you can purchase them. Being a responsible angler involves following all size limits, bag limits, and season restrictions, along with leaving fishing locations cleaner than when we arrived and only taking the fish we need. If we all do our small part, future generations of anglers in Louisiana will be able to enjoy the same, if not better, than the fantastic fishing we enjoy now.

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If you have any questions about fishing licenses or permits in Louisiana, simply drop a comment below.