The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has announced that the red snapper season may close soon, with less than 5% of the state’s annual quota remaining. As per the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, recreational anglers have caught 852,823 pounds of red snapper—95.3% of the 2025 limit of 894,955 pounds. According to the LDWF’s LA Creel monitoring system, the season could end as early as mid-October if current catch rates continue.
The recreational red snapper season began on May 1 and allows fishing in state and federal waters seven days a week. The daily limit is four fish per person, with a minimum length of 16 inches. The season will close once the total catch reaches the quota.
Anglers must hold a valid Louisiana basic and Saltwater Recreational Fishing License and a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) to fish for or keep red snapper. The free ROLP can be obtained online or through the LA Wallet app and must be available in print or digital form while fishing.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries also reminds fishermen to use descending devices or venting tools when releasing fish to reduce barotrauma, as required by federal regulations. More information on proper techniques is available on the LDWF barotrauma website.
