Private Anglers and State Licensed For-Hire Vessels: Each Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) state will set the private angling season for state and federal waters. The Louisiana private recreational regulations apply in state and federal waters off the state of Louisiana. State Licensed For-Hire Vessels may only fish in LA State Waters (out to 9 nm). The season will open May 1st for 7 days/week with a 4 fish bag limit minimum 16" minimum length.
Federal For-Hire Vessels: The federal for-hire season opens June 1, 2026 - 12:01 a.m., local time, October 26, 2026. Anglers fishing from federally-permitted for-hire vessels in federal waters may retain 2 fish per person with a 16-inch minimum size limit. Bag limit for captain and crew on vessels operating as a charter or headboat is zero.
Anglers required to have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use when fishing for reef fish species in Gulf federal waters. For more information, see NOAA Descend Act. Get FREE release gear and learn to use it by completing a 15-minute training from Return 'Em Right. Get started here: https://returnemright.org/about-us/gear-signup/
For more information about Red Snapper regulations in Federal Waters of the Gulf, see Gulf Council. Contact the Gulf Council with federal regulations questions.
For additional information about red snapper season see Louisiana Red Snapper Season