What You Need To Fish For Red Snapper In Louisiana
Red snapper season opens Friday, May 25, in both state and federal waters. The opportunity to catch these fish has been extremely limited in past years because their numbers had been severely depleted.
Anglers who hope to reel them in need to be aware of exactly what they need to be in compliance with state law.
HOW LONG WILL THE SEASON LAST?
It depends. According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website,
The season will remain open until recreational landings approach or reach Louisiana’s annual private recreational allocation of 743,000 pounds of red snapper according to estimates from LA Creel.
HOW WILL THEY MONITOR HOW MANY POUNDS ARE HARVESTED?
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, through an agreement with federal regulators, will manage the program for people who fish in state waters and adjacent federal waters. The LDWF will continue their random dockside and phone surveys. Beginning with the 2018 red snapper season, they must also get a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP), which is free. There is a mobile option for smartphones. Whether on a desktop or mobile device, the electronic option helps the LDWF better track the amount of red snapper being brought ashore in the state of Louisiana. Reporting through the app or online is voluntary, but the agency hopes it will help with accuracy, efficiency, and provide a larger sample size.
WHAT OTHER LICENSES DO I NEED TO FISH FOR RED SNAPPER?
In addition to the free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit, anglers must purchase a Louisiana Basic and Saltwater Recreational Fishing License.
WHAT ARE THE LIMITS ON RED SNAPPER?
Each person with proper licensing may catch two fish that are no less than 16-inches long per day.