As of Sunday last week, Louisiana anglers have landed 630,445 pounds of Red Snapper, representing about 70.4% of the state’s 2025 recreational allocation of 894,955 pounds. According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), the season, which began May 1, remains open seven days a week.
Recreational fishers must follow regulations, including a daily limit of four fish per person, a minimum size of 16 inches, and carrying required licenses and a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP), available for free online. Permits can be added to LA Wallet or printed for proof.
Charter operations are subject to different rules. State for-hire charter captains are limited to state waters within 9 nautical miles, while federal for-hire captains follow a separate season from June 1 to September 16 in federal waters.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries also emphasizes the use of descending devices to reduce barotrauma in fish caught from deep waters. The practice is required under federal regulations to support conservation efforts.
