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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.
Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Northern red snapper as of March 27th, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.
Seasons
Bag limit
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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 and the closure date is TBD. 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
Lutjanus campechanus
Get the required release gear for FREE by completing a 15-minute training from Return 'Em Right. Get started here: https://returnemright.org/
Regulations for
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.
- @dallasdavis1183 reported a nice Red drum.
- @Texas-Fish-Guy reported a nice Smooth puffer.
- @Texas-Fish-Guy reported a nice Hardhead sea catfish.
- @Texas-Fish-Guy reported a nice Bluefish.
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