The latest catch statistics for recreational red snapper recorded by LA Creel, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries' near real-time landings data collection program, are 701,774 pounds, or 94 percent of Louisiana’s annual private recreational allocation of 743,000 pounds through August 5.
The current red snapper season was closed on Sunday, August 12. LDWF will provide a preliminary estimate of red snapper landings through the season at the end of next week.
This year, state and federal seasons ran concurrently because federal fisheries managers approved LDWF’s application for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) to manage the private recreational snapper season in state and federal waters in 2018 and 2019. Under the EFP, participating anglers are allowed to fish red snapper in the state territorial seas and adjoining federal waters during times and seasons set by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, from shore to 200 nautical miles.