Louisiana state waters, out to 3 miles
LDWF 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Same rule
The same size, bag and season past the 3-mile line, written by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.
NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked 2026-09-20
Often mistaken for
Spanish mackerelLateral line slopes gently, keeps its spots. Tell them apart
False albacoreStockier, worm-track markings, no dipping lateral line. Tell them apartNot listed by Louisiana: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit).
Keep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
Louisiana state record
LOWA Louisiana State Fish Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Lateral line takes a sharp dip below the second dorsal; juveniles can carry spots — check the line, not the spots. More on the king mackerel page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
King mackerel in other states12 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for king mackerel in Louisiana?
24 in fork length. Measured as fork length: snout to the fork of the tail.
How many king mackerel can you keep in Louisiana?
3 per person.
When is king mackerel season in Louisiana?
Open year-round.
What is the Louisiana record king mackerel?
82 lb (1980).
How current is this Louisiana king mackerel 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.
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