How much red snapper did Louisiana anglers catch in 2025? The numbers are in.

Louisiana sport anglers reeled in nearly 950,000 pounds of red snapper during the 2025 season, newly released estimates show, as the state works with federal authorities to restore population numbers for the sought-after offshore fish.

Gulf states are granted an annual red snapper quota by federal fisheries officials and recreational anglers are allowed to fish until that quota is met. Louisiana tracks its data through its LA Creel program, which includes dockside, phone and email surveys. 

The 2025 red snapper season quota for private recreational anglers was 894,955 pounds, the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says. An estimated 947,103 pounds were caught during the season, which means 52,148 pounds will have to be subtracted from this year’s quota.

Last year’s season allowed anglers to fish for 200 days, from May 1 through November 16, the department says. A limit of four fish per day, per angler, at a minimum size of 16 inches, was in effect.

“We could not be happier about how this year’s red snapper season turned out,” state Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Tyler Bosworth said in a statement. “We would like to thank all offshore anglers in Louisiana who have actively contributed to conservation and a very successful red snapper season by participating in the LA Creel process.”

The yearly red snapper quotas are divided up between commercial and recreational fisheries. Commercial fisheries are granted 51% and recreational the remainder. The recreational quota is further divided among private anglers and charter boats.

The Gulf’s red snapper population declined rapidly in previous decades and hit a low point in 1990, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Population numbers have since gradually improved, but remain below a target number for rebuilding the stock.

Louisiana anglers target red snapper offshore, including around oil and gas rigs that act as artificial reefs.