Basic Commercial Fishing Regulations - Gulf States Marine ...

twelve feet (12’) along the head rope and fifteen feet (15’) along the foot rope used with boards not more than thirty feet (30’)
in length is permitted.
In addition, the wings of push-nets (chopsticks) may not be attached to the rigid supports or poles for a distance greater than
twenty-four feet (24’) on each side.
No saltboxes may be used for either recreational or commercial shrimpers. “Saltbox” shall mean any container or similar
device in which the salinity is greater than one hundred parts per thousand (100 ppt) and is used to aid in separating the
shrimp from the bycatch.
No nonresident shall be issued a commercial fishing license for the taking of saltwater shrimp using any type of net if that
nonresident’s state of domicile prohibits the issuing of commercial fishing licenses to residents of this state to engage in like
activity.
During open seasons and in open areas, saltwater shrimp may be taken only with shrimp trawls, trawls, butterfly nets,
skimmer nets, push trawls, beach seines, and cast nets.
Recreational Gear Limitations
Holders of a recreational shrimping license are limited to the use of a single net measuring no larger than sixteen feet (16’) on
the cork line. Persons catching shrimp with cast or brail nets shall not remove the heads of shrimp on site. Cast or brail nets
cannot exceed twelve feet (12’) maximum radius or length.
Commercial Legal Size
Shrimp smaller than 68 count (68 shrimp or less per pound) are not to be taken.
Recreational Legal Size
All rules and regulations of commercial shrimp apply.
Commercial Pounds Allowed
No limit.
Recreational Pounds Allowed
No limit. Limit of 50 lbs (with heads on) per person, per day when caught by cast or brail nets.
LIVE BAIT
Licenses
Live Bait Dealer - $50.00
Live Bait Boat - $100.00
Captain’s License - $10.00
(Required for a live bait license holder)
Applications for a live bait camp may be submitted anytime. Live bait camps may be inspected within thirty (30) days
after receipt of the completed application.
Season
Live bait trawling is permitted only during the hours between 30 minutes before sunrise and ending at sunset; areas are not
opened to live bait shrimp until shrimp average at least 100 count per pound.
Gear
Trawls cannot be larger than sixteen feet (16’) on the head rope and twenty-two feet (22’) on the footrope, except areas west
of Bayou Caddy where trawls may be twenty-five feet (25’) on the head rope and thirty-two feet (32’) on the footrope.
Legal Size
Shrimp of 100 count per pound are the minimum legal size for licensed live bait dealers.
Pounds Allowed
No more than thirty pounds (30 lbs) of dead shrimp are allowed onboard at any time.
Restrictions
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