Louisiana state waters, out to 3 miles
Measured curved fork length.
LDWF 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Blackfin tunaSmaller, dusky fins, bronze lateral wash. Tell them apartNot listed by Louisiana: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit).
Bigeye tunaBigger eye, stockier; hard to call — when in doubt, measure and check. Tell them apartKeep 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
Long yellow second dorsal and anal fins that grow with age; yellow lateral stripe. More on the yellowfin tuna page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Yellowfin tuna in other states5 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for yellowfin tuna in Louisiana?
27 in curved fork length. Measured as curved fork length: snout to the fork of the tail, along the curve of the body.
How many yellowfin tuna can you keep in Louisiana?
3 per person.
When is yellowfin tuna season in Louisiana?
Open year-round.
What is the Louisiana record yellowfin tuna?
272.25 lb, Gulf of America (2026).
How current is this Louisiana yellowfin tuna 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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