Mullet Regulations in Louisiana (2026)

Recreational mullet rules in Louisiana saltwater, as published by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Size limit

None

Bag limit

100 pounds per person per day

Season

Open year-round in state waters

Recreational Mullet rules in Louisiana

Show 1 commercial rule

Where: Statewide
Bag limit: C.Commercial Limits. During the season, there shall be no daily take or possession limit for the commercial harvest of mullet by properly licensed and permitted fishermen.
Season: 1.The season for the commercial taking of mullet with a mullet strike net shall begin at sunrise of the third Monday in October of each year and close at sunset of the third Monday in January of the following year. Mullet may not be taken commercially with a mullet strike net at any time outside of this season. 2.Mullet may be taken for live bait purposes with a commercial cast net of no more than 12 feet in radius, operated manually, during any season. 3.Commercial harvest of mullet shall not be allowed during the period from 5 a.m. on Saturday through 6 p.m. on Sunday. There shall be no commercial taking of mullet during the period after sunset and before sunrise.

B.Commercial Taking
3.Live mullet for bait purposes may be taken commercially with a cast net that shall not exceed 12 feet in radius and shall only be operated manually such that no mechanical device is used to hold open the cast net nor propel or deploy the cast net.
E.Permits
1.The commercial taking of mullet with a mullet strike net is prohibited except by special permit issued by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at the cost of $100 for residents of this state and $400 for those who are nonresidents. This permit, along with other applicable licenses, authorizes the bearer to sell his mullet catch.
LDWF Commercial Saltwater Finfish Seasons (https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/commercial-saltwater-finfish-seasons): Striped mullet — Strike net: third Monday in October through third Monday in following January; harvest only allowed Monday through Friday, from sunrise to sunset; Live bait: year-round, with cast net only; harvest only allowed Monday through Friday, from sunrise to sunset
Strike-net season windows are computed for the stated 'third Monday' dates; outside them only live-bait cast netting is allowed (status 'restricted').

None.

100 pounds per person per day.

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.

Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Most anglers need a Louisiana saltwater license or registry: get one here.