What is a ROLP?
The ROLP (Recreational Offshore Landing Permit) is a free permit that is required in addition to all other applicable licenses and/or permits to be in possession of certain offshore fish species or species groups in Louisiana state waters. The following are species or species groups that require a ROLP:
- tunas
- billfish
- swordfish
- amberjacks
- snappers
- groupers
- hinds
- cobia
- wahoo
- dolphinfish
What is the purpose of the ROLP?
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries developed the Recreational Offshore Landing Permit Program to better quantify and characterize the charter and recreational fishermen who fish beyond Louisiana’s territorial waters.
Do anglers under 16 years of age need a ROLP?
No
I am not required to possess a Louisiana fishing license because I was born before June 1, 1940. Do I need a ROLP?
Yes. When registering for a ROLP, you must input your date of birth for verification of age prior to adding a permit to your account.
I am an offshore charter captain who also fishes offshore species recreationally. Which license type do I choose when registering for an ROLP?
You should register for a Charter ROLP only.
I am going on a charter trip as a client. Do I need a ROLP?
No. The charter captain is required to have a charter ROLP covering all clients onboard.
I am a charter captain. Do I need a ROLP?
Yes, but only if you or anyone onboard intends to keep specified offshore species. A Charter ROLP covers all clients on your boat.
I do not fish offshore very often, if ever. Should I get a ROLP just to be safe?
No. Register for a ROLP only if you are planning to go on a private, recreational offshore trip. If you do not fish offshore or only go offshore on charter boats as a client, please do not register for a ROLP.
Can I register multiple persons under one account or E-mail?
Yes, once logged into your account you may use the “Add a fisherman” button to add permits for other family members, friends or coworkers to the account. You will still need separate contact and license information for all added fishermen.
How do I change the primary fisherman of my account?
You can use the "Promote Fisherman" button on a non-minor secondary fisherman to make that fisherman the primary fisherman of the account. That new primary fisherman's E-mail will be replaced with the E-mail of the previous primary fisherman.
Can I register for an ROLP with a temporary authorization number?
Yes. When registering, select “temporary” as the license type and enter the temporary license authorization number as the license number. A ROLP that is renewed or registered with a temporary authorization will expire in ten days unless an appropriate LDWF license number is added to the ROLP.
I forgot my password. How do I get a new one?
Go to the log-in screen, click “LOG IN,” and then click “Reset Password.”
How do I change my E-mail address?
Once logged into your account, use the Account Settings button to edit your E-mail or password. You will receive an E-mail to confirm the change.
How do I change my password if I don’t use the E-mail on my account anymore?
Go to the password reset link and choose the option to reset password with E-mail and license number. Use your old E-mail address and your LDWF license number to reset your password and gain access to your account. Once logged into your account, change your E-mail address as noted under “How do I change my E-mail address?”
How do I change my password?
Use the reset password link located at the bottom of the Login box to change your password. You may use one of two options below.
Option one will send a password reset E-mail to the E-mail address you enter (must be the E-mail on the account). Once you have changed the password using the link in the password reset E-mail, you must wait on a second confirmation E-mail containing a confirmation link that must be followed prior to logging into the account.
The second option uses the E-mail on the account and your LDWF license number to allow you to instantly reset the password and log in. If you choose this method, enter your E-mail as it is on the account and your ten-digit LDWF license number, without dashes, and a new password. The system should log you in automatically.
How do I change my address or contact information?
Click the blue “edit” button and edit your information as needed.
Do I enter the dashes with my LDWF license number when completing a ROLP?
No, enter the ten-digit LDWF license number without dashes.
What should I do if my lifetime license number is not 10 digits?
Enter your lifetime license number as 10 digits by using leading zeros prior to your LDWF lifetime license number.
How do I get my LDWF Lifetime License number?
You may call the LDWF Recreational License Section at (225) 765-2887 to obtain this number.
What should I do if the system tells me my LDWF license number or E-mail is already in use when attempting to register for the permit?
This means you already have an ROLP account and should log into the account by using the E-mail and password you created when you first signed up for an ROLP account.
What if I signed up for an account prior to January 2015 and my password has been erased?
Follow the password reset instructions to gain access to your account.
When I log into my account the system tells me my license type for my permit is no longer valid. What should I do?
When this happens, use the red trash can button to delete the current ROLP in the account.
Once deleted, use the “Add New License” button to add a new “recreational” license with the appropriate ten digit LDWF license number. If you are a senior who was born before June 1, 1940, be sure to enter a valid birthday in lieu of a license.
Do I need a copy of my ROLP when I go offshore fishing?
Yes, you need a printed or electronic copy of your ROLP with you when fishing. You are required to have proof of the permit in your possession while fishing.