The latest catch statistics for recreational red snapper recorded by LA Creel, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ near real-time landings data collection program, are 344,029 pounds, or 46 percent of Louisiana’s allocation of 743,000 pounds. It is important to note that these data do not cover the full Fourth of July holiday week (only the weekend ending July 1). That week, on average yields higher landings than other weeks.
The season reopened this morning at 12:01a.m. for weekends only (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). The weekend-only season will continue to run until recreational landings approach or reach Louisiana’s annual private recreational allocation.
This year, state and federal seasons are running concurrently because federal fisheries managers approved the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ application for an Exempted Fishing Permit to manage the private recreational snapper season in state and federal waters in 2018 and 2019. Under the EFP, participating anglers are allowed to fish red snapper in the state territorial seas and adjoining federal EEZ, from shore to 200 nautical miles.
For more information on the 2018 red snapper season and detailed landing estimates, visit: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/red-snapper.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email alerts, signup at http://www.wlf.la.gov/signup.
