Anglers over the age of 16 are required to have a Basic Fishing License in order to fish recreationally in Louisiana waters.
In Louisiana, a Basic Fishing license for residents costs $17 and a Saltwater license for residents costs an additional $15 with a Basic Fishing license.
A non-resident 5-day Basic Fishing license in Louisiana costs $30, and non-residents need the Basic Fishing license to obtain a 3-day Saltwater license, which costs an additional $20.
Can you fish without a license in Louisiana?
Everyone over the age of 16 needs a license to fish in Louisiana, and this applies to both Louisiana residents and out-of-state visitors. Additionally, anglers need a license to go fishing on a charter boat, regardless of being a resident or visitor.
Louisiana residents and non-residents under the age of 16 don’t need to have a fishing license. Also, residents born before June 1, 1940, who’ve lived in Louisiana for six months or more are exempt, says Fishing Booker.
Why can’t you fish without a license?
A fishing license is typically required to fish in majority of public state fresh or saltwater bodies of water, and a fishing license helps to avoid having to pay fines.
In order to avoid being fined, it’s important to know which types of fishing licenses and permits are needed for specific fishing areas.
However, fishing licenses do more than to help avoid fines, licenses also help to fund anglers’ educational programs to promote sustainable fishing practices.
Anglers fish along the banks of the west branch of the Conococheague Creek, between the Nitterhouse Complex and the U.S. Post Office in Scotland during the 18th annual Trout Derby hosted by Chambersburg Noontime Lions Club in May 2015.
Does Louisiana have a free fishing day?
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries hosts an annual Free Fishing Weekend and, this year, it will be held on June 7 and June 8.
During Louisiana’s Free Fishing Weekend, residents and visitors are allowed to fish in the state’s waters without needing a fishing license.
While a fishing license is not required, all fishing regulations, including size, season, catch limits and gear restrictions remain in effect during Free Fishing Weekend, says the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: What are the fishing license requirements in Louisiana? What to know
