Verified against R.S. 56:332(K) as amended by Act 48 of 2019 and LDWF guidance, September 2026. Rules change. Confirm with LDWF before you set gear. This page is a reference, not legal advice.
Escape rings: three at 2-3/8", with the tightest placement rules on the coast
Under R.S. 56:332(K), every crab trap must have at least three escape rings, minimum 2-3/8" inside diameter not counting the ring material. Placement is specific:
- At least two rings in the upper chamber, flush with the baffle
- At least one ring in the lower chamber, no more than one mesh length from the trap floor
- Since July 1, 2022, every ring no more than one mesh length from a corner
- Rings must be rigid and attached with material of equal or smaller diameter than the trap wire
- Single-chambered traps still need three rings
Rings may be obstructed only from April 1 through June 30 and September 1 through October 31. Traps built of wire mesh 2-5/16" square or larger are exempt.
A ring or placement violation is a class four violation, up to $950 and/or jail. LDWF enforces the corner rule.
Louisiana runs the 2-3/8" ring. The 2-5/16" ring used in Alabama, Maryland and North Carolina is undersized here.
Sizes and limits
| Recreational | Commercial | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum size | None | 5" |
| Daily limit | 12 dozen per person | — |
| Traps | 10 per licensed fisher | Licensed |
| Immature (V-bottom) females | — | Commercial harvest banned; 2% incidental tolerance; exception for softshell processing |
| Sponge crabs | Must be released | |
Trap construction and marking
- Cube-shaped wire trap no larger than 30" on any side, with a bait box or peeler shelter
- Solid float at least 6" diameter on non-floating line at least 1/4"; floats not required in most freshwater areas west of LA 70 and inland of the saltwater line
- Recreational: 1/2" stainless self-locking tag on the center of the trap ceiling, or a durable plastic bait box marker, bearing the recreational crab trap gear license number
- Traps on a trotline must be registered with LDWF and tagged with the license number
- Not in navigable channels or stream entrances
Closures
LDWF has used a February trap closure for derelict trap cleanup in some years and removed it in others; check the current year before setting.
Sources
- Act 48 of 2019 (SB 65), amending R.S. 56:332(K)
- LDWF Recreational Crab, Oyster, and Shrimp Regulations
- LDWF reminder on the July 1, 2022 corner rule
Gear for Louisiana traps
- Door hooks: FlatStack, 4-1/4" overall, 3-1/2" center to center, fits a standard 30" trap door. Louisiana pricing by the box.
- Escape rings: Louisiana requires 2-3/8". Our 2-5/16" ring is not legal here; we don't cut 2-3/8" yet. Tell us how many traps you fish.
- Cull stick: 5" machined aluminum, held to .005", $55 shipped. Why it matters here.