What is the size limit for greater amberjack in Louisiana?

34 in fork length. Measured as fork length: snout to the fork of the tail.

When is greater amberjack season in Louisiana?

Open Sept. 1–Oct. 31, or until quota is met. As of Sep 21, 2026 it is open.

How current is this Louisiana greater amberjack 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.

Greater amberjack in Louisiana: size, bag and season limits (2026)

Louisiana state waters, out to 3 miles

Size34 in fork lengthFork length: snout to the fork of the tail

Bag1 per person

SeasonOpen Sept. 1–Oct. 31, or until quota is metOpen today

Closed today; captain/crew may not keep limits on for-hire trips.

LDWF 2026 · checked 2026-09-07 · the official rulebook is the final word

Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule

Size34 in fork lengthFork length

Bag1 per person (zero for captain and crew on for-hire trips)

Season2026 season: Sep 1 - Oct 13 (closes 12:01 a.m. Oct 14)

Season set annually by quota projection; 43-day 2026 season confirmed by NOAA bulletin.

NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked 2026-09-20

Often mistaken for

Studio photograph of an Almaco Jack (Seriola rivoliana), side view, on a white background

Almaco jackDeeper body, tall sickle-shaped dorsal lobe. Tell them apart

SizeNo size limit

Bag20 per person in reef fish aggregate

SeasonOpen year-round

Banded rudderfishJuvenile bars; small adults with tail-tip white. Tell them apart

Sizeslot 14–22 in fork length

Bag5 per person in aggregate with lesser amberjack

SeasonOpen year-round

Keep the wrong fish and its rule applies.

Louisiana state record

140 lbHorseshoe Lump, 2017

LOWA Louisiana State Fish Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23

How to tell it
Dark band through the eye to the first dorsal; amber side stripe; 11 or fewer dorsal rays than almaco's tall sickle. More on the greater amberjack page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Greater amberjack in other states10 rulebooks
Alabama Florida (Atlantic)Florida (Gulf)Georgia Mississippi North Carolina South Carolina Texas Virginia Every state
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for greater amberjack in Louisiana?
34 in fork length. Measured as fork length: snout to the fork of the tail.
How many greater amberjack can you keep in Louisiana?
1 per person.
When is greater amberjack season in Louisiana?
Open Sept. 1–Oct. 31, or until quota is met. As of Sep 21, 2026 it is open.
What is the Louisiana record greater amberjack?
140 lb, Horseshoe Lump (2017).
How current is this Louisiana greater amberjack 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.

Greater amberjackin Louisiana