LWFC adopts NOI to modify hooked passive fishing gear regulations

On June 2, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to modify rules regarding freshwater recreational yo-yos, trigger devices, trotlines, limb lines, jugs, and all other passive fishing devices containing a hook or hooks. The proposed changes will modify existing rules and will be applicable statewide. The intent of the rule is to decrease litter, provide accountability to passive gear, and reduce risk to resource users, fish, and wildlife.

The following modifications to the existing rule are proposed and will be published in the June 2022 Louisiana Register:

  • The proposed rule is applicable statewide.
  • The proposed rule includes freshwater recreational yo-yos, trigger devices, trotlines, limb lines, jugs, and all other passive fishing devices containing a hook or hooks (hooked passive gear).
  • Waterproof tags with name, fishing license number, and phone number must be attached to all hooked passive gear. Tag information may be written directly on the device.
  • All hooked passive gear must be rebaited every 24 hours, and hooked, entangled, or ensnared fish and wildlife must be removed.
  • No metal object may be driven or attached to the water bottom, stump, tree, or shoreline, except for those located above the water that are affixed to a private pier, dock, houseboat, or other manmade structure which is designed for fishing. Metal anchors not attached to the bottom are permitted.
  • The existing prohibition on driving any (metal or non-metal) objects in the water bottom on Black Lake, Clear Lake, Prairie Lake, Caddo Lake, Chicot Lake, D’Arbonne Lake, Lake St. Joseph, and Lake Bruin is included in the proposed rule.
  • Objects driven or attached to the lake bottom, stump, tree, or shoreline used to hold passive gear shall not be wider than two inches by two inches or two inches in diameter, and shall be removed when not in use.
  • Trotlines are limited to 150 hooks total per person and a cotton leader must be used on each end of a trotline.

To view the full notice of intent, or to submit written comments relative to the proposed rule, contact Robby Maxwell, Inland Fisheries Section, 1213 N. Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles, LA 70601, or via e-mail to: rmaxwell@wlf.la.gov prior to July 29, 2022. Following the public comment period, the Legislative Oversight Committees will have a 30-day period to review the amended rule and a summary of public comment provided by LDWF. If this rule is finalized, the amended regulations will be effective in the fall of 2022.