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
NOAA Fisheries Continues Weekly For-Hire Reporting Webinars
March 3, 2021NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Regional Office will host weekly question and answer webinar sessions to assist participants with program information and compliance. WHEN: The webinars are scheduled for Tuesday evenings starting at 6:30 PM, EST, from March 2 to March 30, 2021. The webinar will continue each Tuesday evening for as…
Multi-Day Trip Possession Limits Modified for Federally Permitted Charter/Headboat Vessels
February 24, 2021Fishermen on a charter vessel or headboat who take a trip lasting more than one day, also known as a multi-day trip, can retain a second daily bag or vessel limit as long as they follow specific procedures. This final rule modifies the on-board multi-day possession limit of fish species…
The DESCEND Act of 2020 will go into effect in January 2022
February 19, 2021The Direct Enhancement of Snapper Conservation and the Economy through Novel Devices Act of 2020 (DESCEND Act of 2020) was signed into law on January 13, 2021. The new Act will require commercial and recreational vessels (including for-hire) to have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to…
