LA Fishing Without a License — Penalties, Wardens & Creel Limits (2026)

LA fishing penalties: $50-$250 + massive parish court processing fees! Report poachers to 1-800-442-2511. Sac-a-lait (crappie) limit is 50.

Fishing without a valid LA fishing license carries strict penalties enforced by LDWF Agents across the marsh and inland lakes.

ViolationFine RangeNotes
No Basic license$50 – $250Plus mandatory parish court costs
No Saltwater Add-on$100 – $350Strictly enforced south of the saltwater line
Over bag limit$200+Plus severe civil restitution fees per fish!

Key Creel Limits

SpeciesDaily LimitNotes
Largemouth Bass10No minimum size statewide (exceptions exist)
Red Drum (Redfish)5Slot: 16" to 27" (1 allowed over 27") (Saltwater)
Spotted Seatrout1513" minimum (Saltwater)
Crappie50Called "Sac-a-lait" in South Louisiana!
Flounder10No minimum length (Saltwater)

Call the Operation Game Thief hotline: 1-800-442-2511.

An LA Basic license is $17. Get yours.