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Fishing regulations at Gulf of America, LA
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Louisiana can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Regulations for top species
Northern red snapper
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
Zero Bag for Captain
Bag and possession limit for captains and crew on for-hire vessels is zero.
Descending Device/Venting Tool
Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use. Take a short 15‑minute training to learn how to properly use required release gear and access it at a discounted price through returnemright.org.
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
Mangrove snapper
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
GOM Reef Fish
Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing with natural baits. At least one dehooking device is required and must be used to remove hooks.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
Descending Device/Venting Tool
Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use. Take a short 15‑minute training to learn how to properly use required release gear and access it at a discounted price through returnemright.org.
Location Specific Information
Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use
Get the required release gear by completing a 15-minute training from Return 'Em Right at: http://returnemright.org/
Contact the Gulf Council with federal regulations questions.
To see commercial regulations, download Fish Rules Commercial App for iOS devices or Android devices.
Cobia
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
The maximum number of individual fish legally possessed aboard any vessel.
Fork Length means the length of a fish as measured from the most forward point of the head to the rear center edge of the tail.
The 2-day bag limit allowance for charter vessels and headboats does not apply to cobia.
For more information, see GulfCouncil.org
Contact the Gulf Council with federal regulations questions.
The sale of recreationally harvested cobia is prohibited by existing state law in each Gulf state.
To see commercial regulations, download Fish Rules Commercial App for iOS devices or Android devices.
FAQ about Gulf of America fishing
- Northern red snapper - 23 members reported to have caught this fish
- Mangrove snapper - 7 members reported to have caught this fish
- Cobia - 6 members reported to have caught this fish
- @mike.doolittle reported a nice Northern red snapper.
- @Hooked.on.Reel.Baits reported a nice Bluegill.
- @dallasdavis1183 reported a nice Red drum.
- @Texas-Fish-Guy reported a nice Smooth puffer.
- @Texas-Fish-Guy reported a nice Hardhead sea catfish.
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