1. A. Recreational Regulations

   1. 1. The daily take and possession limit for red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) caught recreationally within or without Louisiana waters shall be four fish per day.
   2. 2. The minimum legal size for the recreational taking of red drum shall be 18 inches total length with the mouth closed. The maximum legal size for the taking of red drum shall be 27 inches total length with the mouth closed. Possession of red drum over the prescribed maximum size of 27 inches total length, when measured with the mouth closed, is prohibited.
   3. 3. Captain and crew members shall not retain a bag limit of red drum while operating or representing themselves as a charter vessel or headboat. Captain and crew may engage in fishing activity to assist passengers to catch, retrieve, or land red drum, or to demonstrate to passengers how to catch red drum.

   4. 4. The secretary may, upon the request of an eligible applicant, issue a special permit that allows the taking of red drum in excess of the regulatory size limit for registered participants in a tournament or rodeo that meets the following eligibility requirements:

      1. a. The event has been held regularly for five years or more.
      2. b. The event has historically included a bull red category.
      3. c. The event is no longer than four days long, once a year.
2. B. No person who, pursuant to state or federal law, is subject to the jurisdiction of the state shall violate any federal law, rule or regulation particularly those rules and regulations enacted pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act and published in the Code of Federal Regulations as amended Title 50 and 15, for red drum while fishing in the EEZ, or possess, purchase, sell, barter, trade, or exchange red drum within or without the territorial boundaries of Louisiana in violation of any state or federal law, rule or regulation particularly those rules and regulations enacted pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act and published in the Code of Federal Regulations as amended Title 50 and 15 law.

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 56:320.2(C).

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, LR 27:2266 (December 2001), amended LR 50:831 (June 2024), amended by House Concurrent Resolution No. 5 of the 2026 Regular Session, LR 52:1075 (June 2026).