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MANCHAC — The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reminds anglers that new fishing licenses purchased now will be good through June 30, 2021. Current licenses will expire June 30.

Purchasing or renewing a fishing license can be done quickly by visiting  https://la-web.s3licensing.com/Home. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are acceptable methods of payment for purchases online.  Purchasing a license online will allow a copy of your license to be emailed to you. With a digital copy accessible on a mobile device, there will be no need to carry a printed copy.

If you need assistance with your online purchase, please contact the 24-hour help desk at 888-362-LDWF (5393). If you have other licensing questions, call the license office at 225-765-2887 or 225-765-2898 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Licenses can also be purchased at designated local vendors or at the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries office in Baton Rouge.

Anglers are also invited to participate in the Free Fishing Weekend on Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14. The weekend is an opportunity for Louisiana residents and visitors to fish in Louisiana waters without an otherwise required fishing license. While a fishing license is not required, all fishing regulations, including size, season, catch limits and gear restrictions, will remain in effect.

“Each year, we designate a weekend of free fishing as an incentive for families and friends to get outside and enjoy our beautiful Sportsman’s Paradise,” explained LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet. “Whether your interest is saltwater or fresh, Louisiana offers some of the best and most diverse fishing opportunities in the world, and we welcome you to become part of the long-standing tradition of Louisiana fishing.”

Please note that a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) is still needed during a Free Fishing weekend when possessing tunas, snappers, groupers, amberjacks, hinds, cobia, wahoo, dolphinfish (mahi-mahi), billfish and swordfish. When registering for a ROLP, anglers should choose the “Free Fishing Weekend” option when asked for their license type. Registering for an ROLP in this manner does not require a fishing license number, and the ROLP will be valid June 13-14.

To register for an ROLP, please visit https://rolp.wlf.la.gov or download the ROLP app in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Wildlife and Fisheries also urges anglers’ voluntary participation in its electronic reporting program to improve recreational harvest data collection. More information can be found on the mobile apps.

The department reminds the public that, anytime outside of Free Fishing Weekend, anglers 16 and older must possess a Louisiana fishing license when fishing in any Louisiana public waters. Purchasing a fishing license provides funding for public fishing and boating access, fishing programs/education and fisheries management through the Sport Fish Restoration Fund.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. LDWF receives no state general funding and depends on license sales as a major funding source. For more information, please visit www.wlf.la.gov.