Louisiana is brimming with top saltwater fish. Redfish, Black Drum, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish, Swordfish, Marlin – the Pelican State has them all! One species, however, instills pure excitement into anglers – Red Snapper! However, these superstars aren’t always up for grabs. The Red Snapper season in Louisiana is a long-awaited and highly anticipated event, and we’re here to tell you all about it.
We’ll also cover size and bag limits in this article, along with an overview of the Red Snapper hotspots and successful fishing techniques. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly where and when to visit to get your hands on a brag-worthy Snapper!
Louisiana Red Snapper Season & Size and Bag Limits
Unlike some inshore species, such as Redfish, Red Snappers aren’t up for grabs all year round. Before we dive deeper into why these restrictions exist, here’s a quick overview of what you can expect from the season, quota, and size and bag limits:
| Season start date | April 15, 2024 |
| Season end date | TBD |
| Annual recreational allocation | 934,587 pounds |
| Total minimum length | 16 inches |
| Daily bag limit per person | 4 |
Red Snapper Season in Louisiana
Why is there a strict Red Snapper season?
The answer to this question lies in this species’s gamefish qualities. They possess all the traits anglers seek in their underwater rivals. They’re admirable fighters that are also photogenic and incredibly tasty. Every angler wants in on the action!
Red Snappers have always been in high demand, and with demand come problems. Due to being insanely sought-after, the Red Snapper harvest rates increased and, consequently, their population declined. To prevent overfishing, the authorities introduced strict management measures, with seasonality being one of them.
How is the Red Snapper season determined?
Each state tracks recreational landings annually and uses these findings to estimate landing numbers for the following season. Based on the data from the previous year, they agree on the quota for the following year. Louisiana is no exception.
When determining the new Red Snapper season, the state of Louisiana relies on past experience and assumes that the daily catch rates will be the same as they were in recent years. With that in mind, the state announces the harvest quota and the season dates. The season runs until its end date or closes sooner than expected in case the annual recreational allocation is reached.
The season can also be extended when the quota isn’t met or if scientific research shows that the Red Snapper population is larger than previously thought. The Harte Research Institute (HRI), for example, conducted the Great Red Snapper Count, which showed an abundance of Red Snappers in the Gulf of Mexico. The results paved the way for a rethink of the length of their seasonality.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) regularly assesses the Red Snapper stock in the Gulf of Mexico, and the state of Louisiana isn’t far behind with its own monitoring initiatives. All these factors and efforts contribute to how the season is determined.
When does the Red Snapper season start and end?
The Red Snapper season in Louisiana usually starts in spring and applies to both state and federal waters. It runs seven days a week and lasts until the recreational quota is met. Last year, the season started on May 26, while this year, it opened earlier on April 15.
The data from 2023 showed that almost the entire recreational allocation had been harvested by December 3. And since the quota had almost been reached, the state announced that the season would end on December 31. So, once the landing reports are in, we’ll know what we can expect from the 2024 season.
Red Snapper Size Limits in Louisiana
Seasonality is just one of the management measures for preserving the Red Snapper population. Another attempt at keeping the Red Snapper population abundant and healthy is size restriction. The size limit gives small juvenile Red Snappers the opportunity to mature and grow before anglers harvest them.
The minimum size of your Red Snapper catch in Louisiana is 16 inches in total length. In other words, you’ll only get to keep your Snapper if it’s at least 16 inches long.
Red Snapper Bag Limits in Louisiana
If we want the Red Snapper population to thrive and to be able to go fishing for them every year, we also have to make sure we don’t overfish and take more fish than necessary. That’s why Louisiana has strict bag limits, too.
Last year, the recreational Red Snapper season started with a bag limit of three fish, only to be adjusted two months later to four fish per angler. This year’s season opened with a daily bag limit of four fish per person.
Other Red Snapper Regulations in Louisiana
In order to fish for Red Snapper, all recreational anglers must have a valid basic fishing permit as well as a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License. For more details on what these permits are and how to obtain them, our Louisiana Fishing License guide will come to the rescue.
If you’re angling on your own, you also have to apply online for Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP). This permit is free of charge, but it’s an essential part of your Red Snapper fishing preparation, as you can’t harvest or possess reef fish without it. If you’re fishing with a Louisiana charter operator, you don’t need an ROLP because your captain will have you covered.
Apart from the licenses, it’s also important to use proper equipment when fishing for Red Snapper. The focus here is primarily on non-stainless steel circle hooks, dehooking tools, and descending devices. Luckily, if you’re fishing aboard a charter, you don’t have to worry about this as your captain will take care of it all.
Best Red Snapper Fishing Spots in Louisiana
Situated in the heart of the Gulf coast, the Pelican State is without a doubt the Red Snapper fishing epicenter. All its coastal spots are excellent starting points for deep sea fishing pursuits. However, certain locations stand out because of their enviable charter offer and amazing bottom fishing opportunities.
Here are the top five Red Snapper fishing spots in Louisiana:
- Venice. There’s no dilemma about which place to mention first. Out of all the hotspots in Louisiana, Venice is the best for launching your Red Snapper angling adventure. Thanks to its unique location, you’re just a short boat ride away from the state’s most prolific fisheries. Venice also boasts an impressive number of top-notch charters specializing in Red Snapper fishing.
- Grand Isle. Grand Isle is another corner that can brag about an advantageous location and top Red Snapper offer. It taps directly into the Gulf and promises screaming reels wherever you wet your line. You’ll come across oil rigs just a few miles from shore, where the Snappers love to feed.
- New Orleans. This Southern belle is famous for its mouth-watering Creole cuisine, soul-invigorating jazz music, thrilling Mardi Gras festivities, and eclectic architecture. But New Orleans is also known for its angling opportunities and Red Snapper fishing trips. What sets New Orleans apart is its rich dining scene and restaurants that can cook your catch after you return glorious from your Red Snapper hunt.
- Buras. Nestled cozily near Venice, Buras is a great substitute for its more popular neighbor. While it doesn’t have as many guides as Venice, Buras will treat you to first-class boats and premier bottom fishing trips. So, if you can’t find a trip in Venice, try Buras.
- St. Bernard. Last but not least, check out the St. Bernard area. The entire parish is suitable for both inshore and nearshore fishing, and the region is dotted with charters. You won’t have any difficulties finding one to put you on the hot bite.
How to Catch Red Snapper in Louisiana
Now that you know when and where to target Red Snapper in Louisiana, here are a few tips on how to lure them your way and go home with a brag-worthy catch.
You can find Red Snappers in both state and federal waters. While you can have a decent catch rate in state waters, you’ll most likely end up with smaller specimens. Needless to say, the bigger ones are hiding further offshore in federal waters. Luckily, you don’t have to venture too far to stumble on these prize fish – you can already be up against some hefty fellas just 9 miles out!
Look for Snappers around the nearshore reefs, wrecks, drop-offs, rock piles, and other underwater structures. Keep in mind that they’re bottom-dwelling fish, so don’t search the surface for them but focus on the seafloor. Lower squid or shrimp with a sinker, and slowly move the bait at the bottom to grab their attention.
Finally, try different angling techniques to increase your chances of catching a Red Snapper. Bottom fishing and slow-pitch jigging are among the most productive fishing methods. You can also try deep dropping and drifting. There isn’t a single approach to catching these fish, so mix and match until you hit the right combo.
Red Snapper Fever Is On!
The Red Snapper season opens in Louisiana in spring, and no one stays immune to the Red Snapper fever! As the months go by, the frenzy only intensifies, and interest in Red Snappers grows. By the time summer hits, all trips are fully booked. So, if you want to come fishing for Red Snapper in Louisiana, check their season in advance and secure your spot aboard a charter ahead of time. Tight lines!
Have you fished for Red Snapper in the Pelican State? When did you go? What season do you think is the best for targeting Red Snapper in Louisiana? Hit the button below and share your thoughts with us.
The post Louisiana Red Snapper Season: The Complete Guide for 2024 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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