Louisiana state waters, out to 3 miles
On Louisiana's prohibited shark list.
LDWF 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Blacktip sharkCrisp black fin tips, pointed snout. Tell them apart
Sandbar sharkMuch taller first dorsal. Tell them apart
Bull sharkBroader head, stockier still. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Bulky gray reef shark with a short blunt snout and dusky (not black-tipped) fin undersides — the default shark on Keys reefs. More on the Caribbean reef shark page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Caribbean reef shark in other states17 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep Caribbean reef shark in Louisiana?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Louisiana. Release it in the water where you can. On Louisiana's prohibited shark list.
How current is this Louisiana Caribbean reef shark rule?
Source: LDWF 2026, last checked Sep 7, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at a Caribbean reef shark in Louisiana and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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