New Red Snapper Reg’s for Louisiana Anglers
Keith Lusher 04.24.23
As the red snapper population in the Gulf of Mexico increases, regulations are slowly being loosened for offshore anglers in Louisiana. Last year the maximum harvest for red snapper in 2022 was 809,315 pounds with a daily bag limit of three fish. Fishermen were also limited to fishing on three days per weekend. (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) But after their regular meeting on April 6, The Louisiana Department of Wildlife Commissioners unanimously passed a declaration to modify the season because of several positive factors.
According to LWDF marine fisheries biologist Jason Adriance, red snapper sizes and numbers have been consistent throughout the past five years. “I don’t see any issues with the fisheries at this time,” Adriance said after the meeting.
Louisiana’s 2023 revised recreational Red Snapper season will open on Friday, May 26, 2023, in both state and federal waters. The season will run 7 days a week with a daily bag limit of three fish per person and a 16-inch total minimum length limit.
The season will remain open until recreational landings approach or reach Louisiana’s annual private recreational allocation of 934,587 pounds while attempting to preserve enough allocation for the Labor Day weekend.
David Cresson, with Louisiana Coastal Conservation Association, has been a proponent of the more liberal limits. He is hoping that the season will be lengthened with the allocation being upped to 934,587. “The estimates have it going through Labor Day. Of course that could change depending on how many fishable days (weather-wise) we have this summer,” he said. Cresson adds, “When you are enjoying your snapper season this summer, say a quick thank you to Garret Graves, Senator Bret Allain, Rep. Stuart Bishop, and any local CCA Louisiana volunteer for fighting for state management of red snapper for over a decade. We would not be here without their efforts!”
