Red Drum (Redfish) (also known as Red Drum, Channel Bass, Spottail Bass) 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 Red Drum (Redfish) is 18 in and the daily bag limit is 4. A slot limit applies: 18"–27" total length slot; none over 27" may be retained. There is no closed season in LA.
18"–27" total length slot; none over 27" may be retained
No closed season
Statewide single rule (no Atlantic/Gulf split — Louisiana is all Gulf). Possession off-water is twice the daily limit; up to 3x for multi-day trips south of U.S. Hwy 90 with documentation. STATE WATERS. Take or possession of red drum in FEDERAL waters is prohibited. Captain and crew on a charter/headboat for-hire trip may not retain any red drum (their bag = zero).
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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