Swordfish in Louisiana
LDWF limits, the LOWA record and Louisiana water for swordfish.
- 1 a daylimit
- 310.00 lbrecord
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Louisiana swordfish at a glance
LDWF lists swordfish in its 2026 saltwater limits as “Swordfish”. It reads 1 per person; no more than 4 per vessel trip; 47″ lower jaw fork length (ljfl) or 25″ cleithrum to caudal keel (ck); season: open year-round in state waters.
The LOWA rank-one rod and reel fish weighed 310.00 lb, from Mississippi Canyon in 1980, caught by Thomas Dantin.
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| Pamphlet row | Waters | Daily limit and size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swordfish | Louisiana state waters | 1 per person; no more than 4 per vessel trip; 47" Lower Jaw Fork Length (LJFL) or 25" Cleithrum to Caudal Keel (CK) | Open year-round in state waters |
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.
swordfish in the LOWA record book
| Division | Method | Weight | Angler | Water | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| saltwater | Rod & Reel | 310.00 lb | Thomas Dantin | Mississippi Canyon | July 1980 |
Other heavy swordfish from the list
- 295.00 lb, Brent KeithVenice, May 2018
- 294.25 lb, Brett PritchardColgan’s Gap, June 2017
- 291.0 lb, Mike ShiroSouth of Venice, July 2008
- 284.50 lb, Dr. R. Landry, June 1978
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.
ROLP rules on swordfish
A Recreational Offshore Landing Permit, issued at no cost, must be held to keep it, plus the two licenses.
On a for-hire trip the captain's Charter ROLP covers everyone aboard.
LDWF license and permit list in the 2026 Louisiana Recreational Fishing Regulations (LDWF pamphlet, updated September 21, 2026); read October 28, 2026.
Pictures of fishing water by Swordfish
Photo: George Bannister, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Tobin, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Elisa.rolle, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Infrogmation, CC BY 2.5
Where Louisiana swordfish bite, in short answers
Which LDWF rule sets the swordfish bag?
It is 1 per person; no more than 4 per vessel trip; 47" Lower Jaw Fork Length (LJFL) or 25" Cleithrum to Caudal Keel (CK), with the season open year-round in state waters.
What does the Louisiana swordfish record weigh?
Thomas Dantin landed it on Mississippi Canyon in 1980: 310.00 lb (rod and reel).
Which Louisiana waters hold swordfish?
Louisiana water pages skip it so far.
Do LDWF stocking tables mention swordfish?
The LDWF release tables read here leave it out.
Does any water have a swordfish exception?
The pamphlet exceptions do not name it.
What dates apply to Louisiana swordfish?
The pamphlet season is Open year-round in state waters.
What does a Louisiana license for swordfish cost?
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. Add the no-cost ROLP.
How do I claim a Louisiana swordfish record?
LOWA keeps Louisiana fish records, and LDWF biologists verify the species.