Senate Bill No. 203, introduced by Senator Lambert, amends existing laws regarding the possession limits for recreational fishing in Louisiana, specifically for largemouth bass, spotted bass, red drum, and spotted sea trout taken south of U.S. Highway 90. The bill allows licensed fishermen to possess up to three times the daily take limit of these fish if they can demonstrate that they have been actively fishing or at a remote camp accessible only by water for two days or more. The bill also stipulates that the fish must be kept whole or whole gutted.

The proposed law retains the current regulations but removes the requirement for fishermen to show a landing receipt from a public launch and eliminates the need for fish to be kept in marked plastic bags or containers. This change simplifies the regulations surrounding the possession of fish during multiday trips while maintaining the overall possession limits and conditions for licensed fishermen. The new provisions will take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB203 Original: 56:325(B)(4), 56:1(A)(4)
SB203 Engrossed: 56:325(B)(4), 56:1(A)(4)