Can I Keep?Banded rudderfish Regulations in Louisiana (2026)
Recreational banded rudderfish rules in Louisiana saltwater, as published by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
14 to 22-inch fork length slot limit
Bag limit
5 per person
Season
Open year-round in state waters
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Banded rudderfish rules in Louisiana
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- 14 to 22-inch fork length slot limit
- Bag limit
- Five fish per person per day, combined total between lesser amberjack and banded rudderfish
- Possession
- Five fish per person per day, combined total between lesser amberjack and banded rudderfish
- Season
- Open year-round in state waters
- a.Non-stainless Steel Circle Hooks. Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing with natural baits for reef fish.
- To possess tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, snappers, groupers, hinds, cobia, wahoo, dolphinfish, and gray triggerfish in Louisiana waters, recreational fishermen (except those under age 18 and those on a paid for-hire charter trip) must obtain a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit , in addition to required licenses.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- 14 inches fork length (minimum size) 22 inches fork length (maximum size)
- Season
- Year-round
- a.Non-stainless Steel Circle Hooks. Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing with natural baits for reef fish.
- 1.All persons who do not possess a permit issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service under the federal fishery management plan for the harvest of Gulf of America reef fish resources are limited to the recreational bag limit. To commercially harvest, sell, barter, trade or exchange or possess for commercial purposes all species of reef fish including dwarf sand perch and sand perch, but (excluding queen triggerfish, black seabass, porgies, and grunts) requires a valid federal reef fish vessel permit be on board the vessel and in the immediate possession.
- LDWF Commercial Saltwater Finfish Seasons (https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/commercial-saltwater-finfish-seasons): Banded rudderfish — Year-round
Quick answers
What is the banded rudderfish size limit in Louisiana?
14 to 22-inch fork length slot limit.
How many banded rudderfish can I keep in Louisiana?
Five fish per person per day, combined total between lesser amberjack and banded rudderfish.
When is banded rudderfish season in Louisiana?
Open year-round in state waters. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Banded rudderfish limits in other states →
More reef fish in Louisiana
- Almaco jack
- Anchor tilefish
- Black grouper
- Black seabass
- Blackfin snapper
- Blackline tilefish
- Blueline tilefish
- Cubera snapper
- Gag grouper
- Goldface tilefish
- Goliath grouper
- Gray snapper
- Gray triggerfish
- Greater amberjack
- Hogfish
- Lane snapper
- Lesser amberjack
- Mutton snapper
All Louisiana saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Most anglers need a Louisiana saltwater license or registry: get one here.