Based on the latest LA Creel landings data and this weekend’s weather forecast, LDWF biologists anticipate the red snapper season will remain open through Labor Day.
The latest catch stats from LDWF’s LA Creel, the agency’s near real-time data collecting program, show that 849,227 pounds of red snapper had been caught as of August 13. The last reported amount was 780,769 pounds.
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has ordered LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet to shut down the red snapper season when it appears anglers will meet the self-imposed limit of 1.04 million pounds.
LDWF believes that being accountable for the catch limit will help the state’s chances of receiving federal government permission allowing Louisiana to manage its own red snapper season out 200 nautical miles from its coast.
The red snapper fishing season was extended 39 days as part of an agreement reached earlier this summer involving Louisiana, the four other Gulf states – Mississippi, Alabama, Texas and Florida - and the U.S. Department of Commerce. It allowed recreational anglers to fish out 200 miles from the Louisiana coast for red snapper for 39 days. The dates left on the schedule are August 25-27, and September 1-4.
Any dates after this weekend will be canceled immediately if the limit is reached before September 4.
Also under the agreement, there would be no red snapper fishing in state waters – out nine miles from the Louisiana coast – on Mondays through Thursdays, except on July 3-4 and September 4. Anglers are limited to two fish, measuring at least 16 inches, per day.
*For more information on the 2017 red snapper landings estimates, visit: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/sites/default/files/red_snapper_website_document_8-13-17.pdf
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us atwww.wlf.la.gov. To receive LDWF email alerts, signup at http://www.wlf.la.gov/signup.