Louisiana state waters, out to 3 miles
LDWF's list still shows oceanic whitetip as a pelagic shark, while federal HMS rules prohibit it everywhere; treat it as prohibited and release.
LDWF 2026 · checked · likely · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Silky sharkNarrow pointed fins, no white tips. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Huge rounded pectoral and first dorsal fins with mottled white tips; stocky, blue-water shark that comes to the boat. More on the oceanic whitetip shark page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Oceanic whitetip shark in other states19 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for oceanic whitetip shark in Louisiana?
No harvest.
How many oceanic whitetip shark can you keep in Louisiana?
See note.
When is oceanic whitetip shark season in Louisiana?
Closed year-round.
How current is this Louisiana oceanic whitetip 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 an oceanic whitetip shark in Louisiana and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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