Bluefin Tuna in Louisiana
Louisiana rules and water for bluefin tuna.
- 1 a daylimit
- 1,152.0 lbrecord
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bluefin tuna in the Pelican State
Look for bluefin tuna on the saltwater page of the pamphlet, under “Bluefin tuna”. Statewide the line sets 1 per vessel per year with appropriate federal permit as incidental catch during the open season; 73″ min curved fork length and a season of opens january 1 each year and closes when the quota is met (web).
Ron Roland holds the rod and reel mark at 1,152.0 lb, landed on 30 m S of South Pass` in 2003.
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| Pamphlet row | Waters | Daily limit and size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluefin tuna | Louisiana state waters | 1 per vessel per year with appropriate federal permit as incidental catch during the open season; 73" min curved fork length | Opens January 1 each year and closes when the quota is met (web) |
Possession: Same as daily bag limit unless otherwise noted (pamphlet p.28)
Limits and seasons as printed in the 2026 Louisiana Recreational Fishing Regulations (LDWF pamphlet, updated September 21, 2026), page 29 (pamphlet PDF); confirmed on the LDWF saltwater finfish page October 28, 2026.
Record bluefin tuna weights from Louisiana
| Division | Method | Weight | Angler | Water | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| saltwater | Rod & Reel | 1,152.0 lb | Ron Roland | 30 m S of South Pass` | May 2003 |
The rest of the leading bluefin tuna
- 891.0 lb, Darlene Fisher, May 1981
- 859.0 lb, Jack A. Brown, June 1971
- 834.0 lb, Arnold Boudreaux, May 1977
- 833.00 lb, Kaleb RichardsonGreen Canyon, April 2017
Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA), LOWA "Louisiana State Fish Records Official Copy", records current through the record awarded September 25, 2026 (PDF created 2026-09-25); read October 28, 2026.
Paperwork for keeping bluefin tuna
LDWF lists it among the species that need a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit; the permit is free.
Charter clients ride on the captain's own Charter ROLP.
LDWF license and permit list in the 2026 Louisiana Recreational Fishing Regulations (LDWF pamphlet, updated September 21, 2026); read October 28, 2026.
Species LDWF groups with bluefin tuna
- Bigeye Tunasaltwater
- Yellowfin Tunasaltwater
Bayou and lake country around Bluefin Tuna, photographed
Photo: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Elisa.rolle, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Spatms, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0
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What Pelican State anglers ask about bluefin tuna
What creel limit covers bluefin tuna in Louisiana?
Statewide: 1 per vessel per year with appropriate federal permit as incidental catch during the open season; 73" min curved fork length; season opens january 1 each year and closes when the quota is met (web).
Where did the record bluefin tuna in Louisiana come from?
It weighed 1,152.0 lb, from 30 m S of South Pass` in 2003; angler Ron Roland (rod and reel).
Where do bluefin tuna live in Louisiana?
No lake, bayou or bay page carries it yet.
Does LDWF stock bluefin tuna?
LDWF hatchery records do not include it.
Is the bluefin tuna limit the same everywhere in Louisiana?
No water-body exception lists it.
Is the bluefin tuna season open now in Louisiana?
Its 2026 season reads Opens January 1 each year and closes when the quota is met (web).
What should a visitor buy to fish for bluefin tuna?
South of the LDWF saltwater line an angler 18 or older carries a Basic Fishing License plus a Saltwater License: $17 and $15 for residents, $68 and $60 for nonresidents. The free landing permit applies too.
Who keeps the Louisiana record for bluefin tuna?
Claims go to LOWA, with a biologist checking the identification.
Chase bluefin tuna across the Pelican State
Every water listed has its own Louisiana page.