Anglers in Louisiana will need to take note of a new change hitting the waters later this month. Starting June 20, new recreational fishing regulations for Wahoo will come into effect, specifically, the establishment of a five-fish per-person recreational bag and possession limit. This marks a significant departure from previous rules, which did not set any such limits for Wahoo fishing, a beloved activity for many in the state.
According to an announcement by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), the decision to set a limit was spurred by an upsurge in large Wahoo hauls in Texas waters, particularly those originating from the Flower Garden National Banks. Concerns over these incidents led to talks at the Gulf Council level regarding federal oversight of the species. It is this potential for federal intervention that prompted state-level action, with a preference to manage the Wahoo at the state level, where regulations can be tailored more closely to the region's specific needs and practices.
The LDWF began this rule-making process back in its February 2025 meeting. "LDWF has not observed any recreational fishing trips during LA Creel dockside surveys that included more than five wahoo per angler," so the impact on recreational fishermen is expected to be minimal, as stated by the LDWF. This new precautionary measure is intended to curtail large one-time catches, particularly during periods when Wahoo are known to aggregate.
With the establishment of these new state regulations, the LDWF is positioned to inform the Gulf Council that Louisiana has taken proactive management steps for Wahoo. This could help offset the need for federal intervention. The LDWF will continue to use the LA Creel program to monitor recreational Wahoo landings, a system that has so far provided data suggesting the new rules will align well with current angling practices within the state.
