Louisiana § RS 56:302 - Recreational fishing; recreational gear
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 56:302 — Recreational fishing; recreational gear, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 56:302. Recreational fishing; recreational gear
A. A recreational fisherman must purchase and possess the appropriate required license as defined in R.S. 56:3001 in order to use the following gear or to possess on the fishing grounds fish which have been caught for recreational purposes:
(1) Hook and line (using a rod or fishing pole, hook and line, without a reel and without using artificial bait).
(2) Bow and arrow.
(3) A barbless spear, or a multi-pronged barbed gig.
(4) Castnets with a radius not to exceed eight feet six inches.
(5) Frog gigs or catchers.
(6) Scuba gear.
(7) Crawfish nets.
(8) Dip nets.
(9) Landing nets.
(10) Minnow traps.
(11) Crab nets.
(12) Crab lines.
(13) Crab traps: for use of no more than ten crab traps.
(14) Hoop nets: for use of no more than five hoop nets.
(15) Oyster tongs: for use of no more than one tong.
(16) Slat traps: for use of no more than five slat traps.
(17) Trawls: for use of no more than one trawl less than twenty-five feet in length.
(18) Wire nets: for use of no more than five wire nets.
(19) Crawfish traps: for use of no more than thirty-five traps.
B. A fisherman taking fish for sale, using any legal gear listed in R.S. 56:305, or legally taking fish in excess of any limitation as to size, length, or quantity for recreational fishermen must purchase a commercial fisherman's license, commercial gear license, and vessel license if applicable. This includes recreational fishermen taking fish using any gear listed in R.S. 56:305 and fishermen taking fish for sale using any legal gear.
C. No recreational fisherman shall use gill nets, trammel nets, strike nets, or seines, except bait seines in compliance with R.S. 56:323.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1990, No. 455, §1; Acts 1991, No. 523, §1; Acts 1991, 871, §1; Acts 1992, No. 54, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1207, §1; Acts 2000, 2d Ex. Sess., No. 1, §4, eff. June 26, 2000; Acts 2004, No. 460, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 56:302
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 56:302 cover?
Section RS 56:302 ("Recreational fishing; recreational gear") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 56:302?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 56:302" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 56:302 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.