Season opens March 20, with two fish possession limit in state waters
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the Louisiana red snapper season in Louisiana state waters will open on Friday, March 20, at 12:01 a.m., and will remain open seven days per week until further notice.
The “Louisiana-only” season
The bag and possession limit for the state-waters season is two fish per person at a 16-inch minimum total length.
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission gave LDWF Secretary Robert Barham the authority to modify red snapper recreational seasons and daily harvest limits in 2013.
“Thanks to our anglers participating in our recreational creel survey, LA Creel, and supporting a saltwater license fee increase, we are able to provide our anglers with additional snapper fishing opportunities that NOAA has denied them in years past”, said Secretary Robert Barham.
On average, Louisiana anglers land 14% of the gulf wide harvest – which should have been approximately 754,000 pounds. Within the federal 9-day season last year, Louisiana anglers only landed 22% (164,500 pounds) of their typical landing, well short of their fair share. Thanks to the Secretary acting on behalf of Louisiana anglers under the authority of the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, Louisiana anglers were able to land 82% (621,000 pounds) of our projected share with the addition of a season in state waters.
The Louisiana Gulfward Boundary
In June 2012, the Commission took action to extend Louisiana state waters from three miles offshore to three marine leagues, or approximately 9 nautical miles, offshore.
LDWF officials encourage fishermen to use caution and their own personal judgment when fishing beyond the three-mile boundary that is currently recognized as federal waters, as it is fully expected that federal agents will continue to enforce federal law. Until U.S. Congress confirms Louisiana’s action, the battle will continue over Louisiana’s state water boundary.
Recreational Offshore Landing Permit
The Department reminds anglers that a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit is required in order to possess certain species, including red snapper. Anglers may obtain or renew the permit, free of charge at https://rolp.wlf.la.gov. Internet Explorer 11 or above, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Safari browsers are supported. Anglers may renew their permits up to 30 days prior to expiration. A valid Louisiana fishing license number is required to obtain a permit. A confirmation number is allowed for a temporary (trip) license.
The permit is required for any angler possessing tuna, billfish, swordfish, amberjack, grouper, snapper, hind, wahoo, cobia and dolphin, except for those anglers fishing on a paid-for-hire trip where the captain holds a permit.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF. –
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