Bag, possession, size and slot limits explained

A catch rule can restrict several different things at once.

By Louisiana Deep Sea Fishing · 2 min read · Updated October 16, 2026

A daily bag limit concerns how many fish may be taken in the relevant period. Possession rules concern what may be held under their stated conditions. A size rule can set a minimum, maximum or a protected/allowed size interval. A vessel limit is not automatically a per-person allowance.

Read the whole rule

Use the named species, water, trip mode and current date. Then check season, size measurement, bag, possession, gear and any special exceptions together. A short search-result number can omit the condition that changes the answer for a charter, particular lake or offshore fishery.

Understand a slot

A slot describes a size interval, but the rule must tell you whether that interval is protected or is the allowed retention range. Do not infer the direction from the word alone. Check whether any stated exception permits a specified number outside the interval.

Counting a group’s catch

Do not multiply a convenient daily number by every person on the boat without checking the actual passenger, crew and vessel provisions. Likewise, an overnight trip does not automatically entitle everyone to another day’s bag. The applicable rule may impose conditions on duration, vessels, landing or possession.

Where to find the numbers

Use LDWF freshwater tables, LDWF saltwater tables and the NOAA federal source for their proper scope. This glossary explains how to read them; it does not freeze changeable limits into a universal table.

Confirm identification and measurement before deciding a fish fits the rule.

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