NEW ORLEANS — Beginning Saturday, Louisiana will open its state waters to allow recreational red snapper fishing on weekends. Louisiana fishermen are reminded that in accordance with Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations Part 622.34(m) (50 CFR 622.34(m)), the federal red snapper fishery is closed within federal waters, which begin three nautical miles offshore, until June 1, 2013.
Federal agencies, including the Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service , will continue to enforce all applicable federal regulations in waters three nautical miles seaward from the baseline. Possession of reef fish during a closed season is a violation of 50 CFR 622.7(l) and may result in fines and seizure of the catch. For hire vessels are also reminded that vessels with a federal charter or headboat permit may not harvest red snapper in state waters during periods when the federal fishery is closed.
In accordance with 50 CFR 622.71, fishermen are required to possess on board and use the reef fish release gear specified below:
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Circle Hooks - Non-stainless steel circle hooks when fishing with natural baits.
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De-hooking Device - A de-hooking device is a tool intended to remove a hook embedded in a fish allowing the fish to be released with minimum
damage. -
Venting Tool - A venting tool is a device used to deflate the expanded air from the fish’s swim bladder with minimum damage.
For questions concerning Federal Recreational Fishing Regulations contact the NOAA Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office at: 727-824-5305.