Inshore fishermen making their first foray offshore for shallow water red snappers should be aware that simple Basic and Saltwater Recreational Fishing Licenses are not enough to bring red snapper back to the dock.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) requires a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) for anyone 16 years old or older to land snappers (except mangrove snappers), groupers, tuna, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, cobia, wahoo or dolphin.
The only exception to the requirement is for anglers who are fishing with a licensed charter captain who has a ROLP to cover his customers.
The permits are free and can be obtained online at www.wlf.la.gov/rolp or through the LDWF smartphone apps: iPhone—search the App Store for “Louisiana Recreational Offshore Landing Permit; Android—search the Google Play Store for “LDWF Rec. Offshore Landing App.
