CCA Louisiana is pleased to share welcome news for Louisiana anglers heading into the holiday weekend. On May 19, 2026, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Tyler Bosworth signed a declaration of emergency increasing the Red Snapper bag limit to 5 fish per person, per day for Memorial Day weekend — Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (5/22–5/25).

This is exactly the kind of nimble, science-based fisheries management Louisiana anglers have come to expect from LDWF, and CCA Louisiana commends Secretary Bosworth and his team for putting our state’s anglers and families first.

“Thanks to active state management of our fisheries, we are able to increase the Red Snapper bag limit, and therefore create more opportunity for our anglers to get out on the water and enjoy one of our state’s premier fisheries during Memorial Day weekend,” said LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth.

Governor Jeff Landry also weighed in on the announcement: “Memorial Day weekend is all about spending time with friends and family, honoring those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We hope that this opportunity helps to promote memorable outdoor experiences that allow people to celebrate this important American holiday together.”

LA Creel — Louisiana’s industry-leading recreational landings data program — continues to prove its value as a management tool, and CCA Louisiana has long supported state-led management of Red Snapper as the right path forward for our fishery.

“Thanks to LA Creel and state management, LDWF’s ability to actively manage Red Snapper allows us to quickly adjust the season to provide maximum benefit for our anglers, while protecting and promoting this important fisheries resource,” said LDWF Assistant Secretary of Fisheries Ryan Montegut.

Safety and Conservation on the Water

LDWF encourages anglers to practice safe boating while on the water and to reduce barotrauma while fishing for Red Snapper and other reef fish by using descending devices to return fish to a survivable depth before being released. For more information, visit the LDWF barotrauma webpage.

For additional questions regarding the current Red Snapper season, please reference the LDWF Red Snapper webpage.

NOTE: The bag limit will revert to 4 fish per person, per day on Tuesday, May 26.

Looking Ahead: Vermilion 119

Anglers looking for prime snapper grounds in the near future should keep the newly installed Vermilion 119 artificial reef on their radar. As the structure matures and marine life takes hold, Vermilion 119 is poised to become an outstanding Red Snapper destination — yet another example of how habitat investment continues to strengthen Louisiana’s offshore fishery for generations of anglers to come. Stay tuned for more info, and coordinates to be released post-survey. 

Good luck out there this weekend, and tight lines this summer!