Red snapper angler participation needed

With big fishing Memorial Day weekend around the corner, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries encourages anglers pursuing red snapper to use its Electronic Reporting Program to provide important, real-time catch data. The season officially opens on Friday, May 24 in both state and federal waters.

Louisiana is operating under its second year of a federal Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP), which allows the department to manage the private recreational red snapper season concurrently in state and federal waters. Those who fish under the EFP have the option to test real-time electronic reporting via the Recreational Offshore Landing Permit smartphone application or mobile and desktop version of the ROLP website.

The department urges anglers’ voluntary participation in this data collection method as LDWF continually strives to improve recreational harvest data. Real-time harvest reporting is being tested by LDWF to determine if recreational catch estimates can be determined with greater precision (i.e. less uncertainty) and if such estimates can be produced more quickly.

Participation in this electronic reporting program is voluntary, but highly encouraged. However, all anglers – resident and non-resident – must possess a valid Basic and Saltwater Recreation Fishing License as well as a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit to recreationally fish for red snapper.

In order to participate in voluntarily reporting your catch, please reference the appropriate link below, depending on the make of your cellular device.

ROLP mobile app (Android phone)
ROLP mobile app (iPhone)

For additional questions regarding the upcoming red snapper season, the Exempted Fishing Permit, or voluntary electronic reporting, please reference LDWF’s FAQs.