Can I Keep?Black drum Regulations in Louisiana (2026)
Recreational black drum rules in Louisiana saltwater, as published by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
16 inches minimum total length; 27 inches maximum total length
Bag limit
5 per person
Season
Open year-round in state waters
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Black drum rules in Louisiana
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- 16 inches minimum total length; 27 inches maximum total length
- Bag limit
- Five per person per day; No more than one over 27-inch maximum total length
- Possession
- Five per person per day; No more than one over 27-inch maximum total length
- Season
- Open year-round in state waters
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- 2.The minimum legal size for the recreational or commercial taking of black drum shall be 16 inches total length.
- Bag limit
- 4.The annual commercial quota for 16 to 27-inch black drum shall be 3,250,000 pounds. 5.The annual commercial quota for black drum over 27 inches shall be 300,000 fish.
- Season
- Fishing year begins September 1; open year-round or until quota is harvested
- 3.The maximum legal size for the recreational taking of black drum shall be 27 inches total length; provided however that recreational fishermen shall be allowed to take and possess no more than one black drum per day over 27 inches. It is provided further that commercial harvesters using legal gear shall be allowed to take and possess and sell black drum over 27 inches in unlimited quantities until the annual quota has been met in compliance with all other rules and regulations.
- 6.The fishing year for black drum shall begin on September 1, 1990 and every September 1 thereafter.
- 7.Once the black drum commercial quota(s) has been met, the purchase, barter, trade or sale of black drum taken in Louisiana after the closure is prohibited. The commercial taking or landing of black drum in Louisiana, whether caught within or without the territorial waters of Louisiana after the closure is prohibited. Nothing in this rule shall be deemed to prohibit the possession of fish legally taken prior to the closure order.
- LDWF Commercial Saltwater Finfish Seasons (https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/commercial-saltwater-finfish-seasons): Black drum — Fishing year begins September 1; open year-round or until quota is harvested
Quick answers
What is the black drum size limit in Louisiana?
16 inches minimum total length; 27 inches maximum total length.
How many black drum can I keep in Louisiana?
Five per person per day; No more than one over 27-inch maximum total length.
When is black drum 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 Black drum limits in other states →
More inshore in Louisiana
All Louisiana saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Most anglers need a Louisiana saltwater license or registry: get one here.