The Full Frogging Experience

Recreational Fishing Licenses and Permits

If you’re age 16 or older, you must have a Basic Fishing License to fish recreationally in Louisiana waters. If you’re fishing south of the saltwater line*, you must also have a Saltwater License. Please note that if you’re fishing with a cane pole, you just need a Hook and Line License; no other license is required.

*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 types of gear or 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 16 (i.e. age 15 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. In addition, residents born before June 1, 1940, must have appropriate gear licenses when using any legal fishing gear.

Recreational Reptile and Amphibian Collecting

Licenses and Permits

• Basic Fishing License
• Hoop Net Gear License when using hoop nets; if running more than five hoop nets, you must have a Commercial Fisherman License

Harvest Restrictions

• No removal of nesting or nest-tending animals.
• Use of gasoline to flush animals from hiding places is prohibited.
• Destruction of natural cover (ex: stumps and logs) while searching for animals is prohibited.

Frogs

• May be harvested using any visible light and mechanical devices known as frog catchers or with devices that puncture the skin (gigs or spears).
• Possession of firearms while taking or hunting frogs at night is prohibited.
• Length measured from the tip of the muzzle to the posterior end of the body between the hind legs.