More Louisiana residents are occupying their time during the COVID-19 pandemic by going fishing according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The sales of fishing licenses has seen a sharp uptick. LDWF spokesperson Ed Pratt says basic fishing license sales has seen a 53% increases over the same time last year. And not just your basic fishing license. Saltwater licenses had a heavy spike in sales as well.

My immediate assumption as to why is fairly simple. If you have the gear, and the time, it's a very nice activity to do while keeping away from others. As well as an activity you can do with your family that you live with.

The types of licenses and permits you can get for fishing in Louisiana are fairly vast. And figuring out which one you need is as easy as a trip to the Wildlife and Fisheries Webpage.

Permit Type                                                                                             Res / Non-res

Hook and Line (cane pole)1$2.50
Basic Fishing$9.50$60
Saltwater (Basic Fishing License required)$13$30
Nonresident Basic Trip (1 day)$5
Nonresident Saltwater Trip (1 day)$17.50
Nonresident Saltwater Season (Basic Fishing License required)$30
Senior Hunting/Fishing2$5
Louisiana Sportman's Paradise3$100
Charter Passenger4 (3 day)$10$10
Charter Skiff5 (3 day)$30

1Allows license holder to fish with a cane pole. No other license is required.

2Any resident who turned 60 years old on or after June 1, 2000, must obtain a Senior Hunting/Fishing License to hunt or fish. This license is in lieu of Basic and Saltwater fishing licenses; Basic, Big Game, Bow, and Primitive Firearms hunting licenses; Louisiana Waterfowl and Turkey Stamps; and the WMA Hunting Permit. This license does not include special gear such as trawls, crab traps, crawfish traps, hoop nets, etc.

3Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License includes Basic and Saltwater fishing Licenses; Basic, Big Game, Bow, and Primitive Firearms hunting licenses; Louisiana Waterfowl and Turkey stamps, the WMA Hunting Permit; and all recreational gear licenses except for recreational trawls longer than 16 feet.

4Valid to fish from a charter vessel in saltwater areas of the state, with a licensed guide on board at all times. This license is in lieu of Basic and Saltwater fishing licenses and is valid for three consecutive days. You must provide the charter guide’s license number or mothership license when you purchase a Charter Passenger License.

5Valid for nonresidents to fish under the direction of a charter operation in a licensed charter skiff in saltwater areas of the state. This license is in lieu of Basic and Saltwater fishing licenses and is valid for three consecutive days.

 

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