Black Drum (also known as Drum, Puppy Drum, Bull Drum) in Louisiana. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit, slot rule — verified against the LDWF guide, 2026.
In Louisiana, the minimum legal size for Black Drum is 16 in and the daily bag limit is 5 per person (one fish over 27 in allowed). A slot limit applies: Harvest slot 16–27 in (one fish over 27 in may be kept per day). There is no closed season in LA.
Harvest slot 16–27 in (one fish over 27 in may be kept per day).
No closed season
Gulf of Mexico state waters. Listed under 'Common Coastal Species' (DRUM) in the 2026 LDWF guide. STATE waters. 16 in min / 27 in max total length; 5/day with no more than one over 27 in. 'Bag and possession' explicitly equal per the LDWF table.
These limits are pulled from the LDWF recreational fishing regulations. Last verified June 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
Louisiana requires both a Basic and a Saltwater fishing licence to fish or possess fish in the saltwater area (anglers aged 18+). Louisiana licences.
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