If you’re age 18 or older, you must have a Basic Fishing License to fish recreationally in Louisiana waters. This license includes all legal means/gear for catching freshwater species.

If you’re fishing south of the saltwater line*, you must also have a Saltwater License (unless you are fishing south of the saltwater line and targeting and possessing freshwater fish only, then you only need to possess a Basic Fishing License). This license includes all legal means/gear for catching saltwater species.

Please note that if you’re fishing with a pole or hook and line without a reel and without artificial bait or any of the following: dip nets, landing nets, minnow traps, crab nets, or crab lines, you just need a Hook and Line License; no other license is required. Learn more about crabbing license requirements.

*State law has designated a saltwater line across south Louisiana; this line divides fresh and saltwater areas of the state. Louisiana has many areas where you can catch fresh and saltwater species side by side. Instead of trying to determine exactly where the saltwater line is, the best practice is to purchase the additional saltwater license if you’re fishing anywhere in south Louisiana and plan to catch any saltwater species.

You also need licenses or permits for certain activities.

Licenses are available at special rates for seniors, military, students, and people with disabilities. Lifetime licenses are also available.

You are not required to have Basic or Saltwater Fishing licenses if you are:

• A resident or nonresident under age 18 (i.e. age 17 and under)
• A resident born before June 1, 1940, who has lived in Louisiana for 6 months.

If you meet one of the above criteria, you must still have proof of age in your possession whenever fishing.