During the last week of 2023, anglers landed 31,858 pounds (3.4% of allocation) of Red Snapper. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries estimates that 878,464 pounds of Red Snapper were landed during the 2023 private recreational season. These landings equal 94% of the 934,587-pound Louisiana allocation. Therefore, 6% of the Louisiana allocation remained unharvested.
Anglers were able to fish Red Snapper for 220 days (May 26 – December 31) during the 2023 season in Louisiana, the longest season since the implementation of state management. The Red Snapper season is scheduled to reopen on Friday, May 24, 2024, unless changes are made to that opening date by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.
For more information on the 2023 Red Snapper season and detailed landing estimates, visit https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/red-snapper.
“We are excited about the success of the 2023 Red Snapper fishing season for our private recreational anglers,” says LDWF Secretary Madison Sheahan. “The effectiveness of our Red Snapper management approach proves our ability to offer the best access for our anglers in federal waters. Our commitment is to serving the state’s sportsman by identifying where we can expand our management programs while actively working with our partners through the Gulf Council.”
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. LDWF depends on license sales as a major funding source. Help us protect your hunting and fishing heritage while preserving habitat, wildlife, and aquatic resources by purchasing your license at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email or text alerts signup here.