Known as the “Sportsman’s Paradise,” Louisiana’s waters are synonymous with awesome angling. Bull Reds on the flats, Blue Marlin offshore, the state has it all – as long as you have a Louisiana fishing license. There are a lot of things to consider when you get your license. Today, we’ll break everything down into a simple guide to the Bayou State’s license rules.
Want to learn more about fishing in Louisiana? Read our full guide.
Who needs a Louisiana fishing license?
Everyone over the age of 16 needs a license to fish in Louisiana. This applies to both LA residents and out-of-staters. You also need a license to go fishing on a charter boat, regardless of whether you’re a resident or not.
Who doesn’t need a license?
Residents and non-residents under the age of 16 don’t need to buy a fishing license. Residents born before June 1, 1940, who’ve lived in Louisiana for six months or more are also exempt.
Lastly, everyone can enjoy a great time on the water on Louisiana’s Free Fishing Weekend. This usually runs in mid-June, and allows anglers from all over the country (and beyond) to fish license-free. Regular bag and size limits still apply, though.
Quick View: LA Fishing Licenses
The main two types of licenses are Basic – covering inland waters – and Saltwater – covering coastal areas. The boundary between the two is called the “saltwater line,” and runs along the Intracoastal Waterway, as shown below. Not sure what license you need? Check out this interactive map for a more detailed look.
If you’re fishing on a saltwater charter, you can save a little money by opting for a “Charter Passenger” or “Charter Skiff” License. These cover you for three days of fishing aboard either a boat or a skiff.
So that’s it? Not even close! There are dozens of different fishing licenses you can buy in Louisiana, covering different lengths of time and specific pieces of gear. Some groups also have the option of discounted licenses.
Resident Fishing License Cost
| Resident License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic | $17 |
| Saltwater (Basic required) | $15 |
| Hook & Line (cane pole) | $5 |
| Saltwater Charter Passenger (3-Day) | $20 |
| Freshwater Charter Passenger (3-Day) | $10 |
| LA Sportsman’s Paradise | $100 |
| Senior Fishing/Hunting | $5 |
LA residents have access to several special permits. If you’re looking to fish on the cheap, a Hook & Line License is a bargain-price replacement for a Basic Fishing License that allows you to fish with a traditional cane pole.
On the other end of the scale, the Sportsman’s Paradise License lets you fish and hunt, and includes permits for all fishing gear except 16′ trawls. Lastly, seniors can get a discounted Hunting/Fishing Combo. This doesn’t include gear permits, though.
Lifetime Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hunting/Fishing(0–65) | $500 |
| Senior Hunting/Fishing (65+) | $100 |
Another big advantage that residents get is access to discounted lifetime licenses. These cover you for fresh and saltwater, and have the option of also covering hunting. Lifetime licenses are much cheaper for seniors, too. You can buy anyone a lifetime’s worth of awesome angling and hunting for just a few hundred bucks!
Non-Resident License Cost
| Non-Resident License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Basic | $68 |
| Annual Saltwater (Basic needed) | $60 |
| Saltwater Charter Passenger (3-Day) | $20 |
| Freshwater Charter Passenger (3-Day) | $20 |
| 5-day Basic | $30 |
| 5-Day Saltwater (Basic needed) | $30 |
| Annual Student Basic | $17 |
| Annual Student Saltwater | $15 |
| Lifetime Hunting/Fishing | $4,000 |
Visitors to the Pelican State also get a wide mix of licenses to choose from. These are mainly designed for short breaks, with special three-day permits for both fresh and saltwater charters, as well as five-day options.
If you’re staying for longer, you can get the annual Basic and Saltwater Licenses, or even splash out on a Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License. This will cover you for the rest of your life, although you’ll still need gear permits for some equipment.
Studying in Louisiana? Non-residents who are in full-time education can get special discounts on licenses. These licenses are the same as the cost for most residents!
Fishing Gear Permit Cost
While Louisiana used to be strict on additional permits for certain types of fishing gear, that all changed in 2022. Basic and Saltwater licenses will cover all legal means for catching fish.
However, there is the option of a cheaper permit for residents or Louisiana-born non-residents fishing with a pole or hook and line without a reel, and without artificial bait. You must also not use any of the following: dip nets, landing nets, minnow traps, crab nets, or crab lines. For this, you’ll just need a Hook and Line License, costing just $5.
Reduced-Fee Licenses
The State of Louisiana offers special licenses for active and former military personnel, as well as disabled residents and out-of-state students. If one of those sounds like you, you could be in for a hefty discount.
Active and Former Military
Active-duty military and National Guard personnel get special pricing on fishing licenses, at $17 for Basic Licenses and $15 for Saltwater ones, just like ordinary residents. Purple Heart recipients get the same rates. You don’t have to be a resident for these prices.
Retired military personnel aren’t forgotten in the Pelican State, either. LA residents and veterans born in the state but living anywhere in the US can get a hunting/fishing combo for just $20 after retiring from the military. Veterans with a service-related disability of 50% or more can get the hunting/fishing combo completely free.
Lastly, any resident whose spouse has been killed in action can get a fishing license covering fresh and saltwater for $4.
Disabled Residents
Louisiana residents who are permanently disabled and receiving disability benefits can Basic and Saltwater Licenses at $4 each. Blind, paraplegic, or amputee residents can get the hunting/fishing combo for free.
The State doesn’t only recognize physical disabilities, mind you. Residents with developmental disabilities can also get a free fishing license covering fresh and saltwater.
Non-Resident Natives
And finally, if you were born in Louisiana but no longer live there, you’re eligible for a discounted license. By bringing a copy of your birth certificate, you’ll be able to purchase annual basic and saltwater licenses for the same price as residents.
How and Where to Buy a License
You know what you need. But how should you buy it? As always, there are a few options. You can get most licenses in any of the following ways:
- Online. Head to the DFW’s online store. You’ll get an authorization number you can use as soon as you’re done, as well as a digital license you can print or save on your phone.
- In person. Prefer to get a paper license? DFW offices around the state sell licenses, as do most hardware stores, bait and tackle shops, and chains like Walmart.
Bear in mind that you can’t buy military, student, disability, or lifetime licenses online. For most of these, you’ll need to head to the LDFW head office in Baton Rouge or mail them your completed application form.
Using Your License in Other States
Louisiana has a reciprocal agreement with Texas. This means that LA residents over 65 years old can fish in any TX public waters (both freshwater and saltwater) without buying a Texas fishing license as long as they have a Louisiana Senior License.
Under-65s from both states can fish along the border waters without buying another license. These border waters include Sabine Lake, River, and Pass, as well as Caddo Lake and Toledo Bend Reservoir, but not the Gulf of Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now you should have all the information you need to enjoy a fun day of fishing down in Bayou Country If you still have questions, it’s best to call your local LDFW office. If not, it’s time to find a charter near you, pack your bags, and get ready for an awesome adventure!
