Louisiana For-Hire/Charter Fishing Industry
Louisiana Fisheries Forward has put together a wide variety of resources to help recreational for-hire, or charter, fishermen understand basic captain requirements; license and permits (state and federal); insurance; seasons, size and possession limits; and best handling methods. The video at right is a full overview of what is required of a recreational for-hire fisherman.
We encourage all our charter captains to get involved in the management of our fishery. Stay up to date on regulations/amendments under development with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, or attend their quarterly meetings. The Louisiana Charter Boat Association is a great industry group that promotes its members and keeps them current on new and upcoming regulations. Sign up for news and alerts from LDWF, LA Sea Grant and other agencies; and attend LFF workshops and dock days for the best information on quality handling, safety, new equipment, and more. Your input is needed for us all to be successful.
As we continue to add information to this web site, visit the resource links below for more on regulations, product handling, gear and equipment, and responsible fishing practices.
Data from NOAA reveals that in 2015, the RFH fleet in Louisiana accounted for 162,000 trips valued at more than $86 million. Those fishing activities generated $50.6 million in trip-related expenditures and an additional $49.7 million in value added impact. These data are consistent with an independent survey conducted by LDWF in cooperation with LSU just five years earlier, that estimated approximately $42.6 million in economic impact came from Louisiana RFH operations in 2010 for all vessel classes
The Council Asks for Recommendations on Ways to Conserve our Nation’s Waters
May 7, 2021The President of the United States recently signed an Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. The Executive Order aims to place the climate crisis at the forefront of the Nation’s foreign policy and national security planning. Section 216 of the Executive Order: Conserving our Nation’s Land…
Gulf Council Seeks Applicants for its Scientific and Statistical Committees – Deadline Extended
April 27, 2021The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is seeking applicants for its Standing and Special Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSC). Current members must reapply to be considered for future membership. The Council has one standing and eight special Scientific and Statistical Committees comprised of individuals who have expertise in stock…
Gulf of Mexico Greater Amberjack Recreational Fishing Season Reopens May 1-31, 2021
April 21, 2021NOAA Fisheries reminds recreational fishermen that the Gulf of Mexico greater amberjack recreational fishing season reopens 12:01 a.m., local time, on May 1, 2021 and will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on June 1, 2021. What this Means: Preliminary landings indicate the recreational greater amberjack quota has not been…
