What Happens If You Fish Without a License in Louisiana in 2024?

Fishing without a valid license in Louisiana can result in hefty fines and penalties. According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the minimum fine for hunting or fishing without a valid license is $50. However, the penalties can be much more severe depending on the specific violation.
Fishing License Requirements in Louisiana
In Louisiana, all anglers aged 16 and older are required to possess a valid fishing license when fishing in public waters. There are several types of fishing licenses available, including:

Resident Fishing Licenses

Basic Recreational Fishing License: $9.50 per year
Saltwater Fishing License: $5.50 per year
Hook-and-Line License: $2.50 per year (for fishing with a cane pole and live bait)

Nonresident Fishing Licenses

Basic Recreational Fishing License: $60 per year
Temporary Basic Recreational Freshwater Fishing License: $5 per day
Temporary Saltwater Fishing License: $17.50 per day
Licenses can be purchased from various locations, including local sporting goods stores, convenience stores, and online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.
Penalties for Fishing Without a License
The penalties for fishing without a valid license in Louisiana can be quite severe. According to state law, the minimum fine for not possessing a basic recreational fishing license is $50, with no court costs associated with the fine. However, the penalties can be much more severe if the violation involves other offenses.

Fishing While License is Revoked

Fishing while under license revocation carries a fine of up to $500 or up to 90 days in jail, or both, plus court costs.

Fishing Without a Basic and Saltwater License

Fishing without both a basic recreational fishing license and a saltwater license (if fishing in saltwater areas) can result in a $50 fine for each violation, plus court costs.

Improper Running Lights

Fishing with improper running lights on a boat can result in a maximum fine of $50.

Civil Penalties for the Value of the Fish

In addition to the fines, anglers caught fishing without a license may also be subject to civil penalties based on the value of the fish they were caught with. In one recent case, the civil penalty for the value of the fish totaled $169.
Enforcement and Compliance
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries takes the enforcement of fishing license requirements very seriously. Their enforcement agents are authorized to check anglers’ licenses and can issue citations for violations.
As one Reddit user warned, “Wildlife and Fisheries don’t fuck around. Go get your license.” Another user shared their experience of being checked by Wildlife and Fisheries while fishing on the bayou, emphasizing that the agency is not like the local police department and “absolutely give[s] a shit.”
To avoid these penalties and ensure compliance, it’s crucial for anglers in Louisiana to obtain the appropriate fishing licenses before heading out on the water. Failure to do so can result in significant fines, the confiscation of fishing gear, and even potential jail time.