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
CPRA Public Hearings in January
January 6, 2020The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has scheduled a series of public hearings across the coast in January, as follows: Draft Fiscal Year 2021 CPRA Annual Plan – Public Hearing Mon, Jan 06, 2020 — 5:30 p.m. – Open House; 6:00 p.m. Presentation Lake Front Airport, 601 Stars and Stripes…
Fishing For Lane Snapper In Louisiana and Federal Waters To Close Dec. 13
December 12, 2019The recreational and commercial seasons for lane snapper in Louisiana waters will close at 12:01 a.m. on December 13, 2019, and will remain closed until January 1, 2019. The decision was made by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet, following notification by NOAA Fisheries that the Federal…
2020 Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup Events; Volunteers Needed
November 20, 2019The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will again host its annual Derelict Crab Trap Rodeo volunteer cleanup events during the month of February. The Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program was initiated by LDWF in 2004 to address the removal of derelict and abandoned crab traps. Derelict traps increase…
