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
Notice of Intent to Reduce Cobia Recreational and Commercial Bag Limits
January 9, 2023The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to decrease the current 2 fish daily bag limit to 1 fish daily per person and establish a two fish per vessel / per day limit regardless of the number of trips for both recreational and commercial harvest….
Extension of Emergency Measures Modify the Greater Amberjack Recreational Fixed Closed Season
December 22, 2022Key Message: NOAA Fisheries announces the extension of regulations to reduce the recreational harvest of greater amberjack. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council agreed NOAA Fisheries should extend emergency action while they develop long-term management measures to rebuild the greater amberjack population. How Long is the Emergency Rule Effective: The…
Final Rule to Revise the Gulf Migratory Group King Mackerel Catch Limits
December 9, 2022Key Messages: NOAA Fisheries announces implementation of the final rule for Framework Amendment 11 under the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region. This rule modifies Gulf of Mexico Migratory Group king mackerel catch limits. When Rule Will Take Effect: Regulations…
