Commercial licenses expire December 31 each year, unless otherwise noted. You can renew your license online, in person, or by mail.
You must also have a license for each piece of gear you’re using unless otherwise noted. Gear licenses are temporarily transferable between licensed commercial fishermen of the same residency status. Nonresidents may not purchase licenses for gear that is prohibited in their home state.
In addition:
For the best viewing experience on a phone or small screen, please rotate your device to landscape mode.
If you: |
You must have a/an: |
Fees and notes: |
|---|---|---|
| Transport gill nets, seines, strike nets, and trammel nets across state waters to use in federal waters | Traversing Permit | Free. You may not use these gears in state saltwater areas (unless you have a special permit to use strike nets). You may not possess red drum (redfish) or spotted seatrout on vessels carrying these gears. You must notify LDWF at 800.442.2511 or 225.765.2441 four hours before you leave port to traverse or fish under the conditions of the Traversing Permit and immediately when you return from the permitted trip. |
| Develop experimental fishing gear to harvest underutilized species and develop new fisheries | Experimental Fisheries Program Permit | For more information, call 225.765.0765. |
Need Assistance?
Please contact: 225.765.2898 (Wait times may be up to 30 minutes)
Hours of Operation 8:00am-4:00pm CT