American Fisheries Society - Louisiana Chapter

05/21/2026

𝗙𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗬: Angling Category Gulf of America Trophy Bluefin Tuna.

𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗: May 21, 2026, 11:30 pm – December 31, 2026

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗘𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘: As a Federal action, based on the best available landings information, the Gulf’s trophy subquota has been reached and exceeded.

𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗: Highly Migratory Species Angling category permitted vessels and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels fishing recreationally in the Gulf of America.

Recreational fishermen aboard vessels with an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Angling category or Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permit (while fishing recreationally) may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna (i.e., measuring 73 inches curved fork length or greater) in the Gulf of America from 11:30 p.m. May 21, 2026, through December 31, 2026.

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: Not affected by this closure.

More information: https://buff.ly/WPte2z4

05/08/2026

🚨 𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗠𝗣 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗗 🚨

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission set the opening date for Louisiana’s spring inshore shrimp season based on recommendations from LDWF biologists and public input.

🦐 Season Opening:
• All Louisiana inside waters from the Mississippi/Louisiana state line westward to the Louisiana/Texas state line
• Opens 6:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2026

LDWF biologists have monitored hydrological parameters and conducted weekly trawl samples throughout the state’s estuarine and nearshore waters since early spring to develop recommendations for the opening of the spring shrimp season. LDWF sampling data were used to calculate a “crossover” date, which is when a minimum of 50 percent of the inshore brown shrimp population reach 100-count per pound or larger.

The Commission has granted authority to the Secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to delay or advance these opening dates if biological and technical data indicate the need to do so, and to close any portion of Louisiana's inside waters to protect small juvenile white shrimp if biological and technical data indicate the need to do so, or if enforcement problems develop. Notice of any opening, delaying or closing of a season by the Secretary will be made by public notice at least 72 hours prior to such action.

📍 See the map for details or visit the LDWF shrimp season webpage for the most current information.

⚠️As a reminder, the special fall white shrimp season currently open in the Vermilion-Teche Basin will close at official sunset on Sunday, May 10, 2026. The Spring Inshore Shrimp Season in that area will open with the rest of the state at 6 a.m. on May 13, 2026.

📞 Questions? Contact Konner Lockfield at (504) 286-4184 or [email protected].

05/04/2026

Here's to a fishy fourth 🐟

04/23/2026

NOW HIRING! LDWF is seeking a Biologist 1–3 to support the Fisheries Extension Outreach and Education Program. The role focuses on angler education and offers opportunities to assist with additional LDWF education programs.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗗𝗼:
🔹 Plan & lead fishing workshops—bank fishing, beginner courses, kayak & boat fishing
🔹 Organize & assist with aquatic education events at schools, camps, and clinics
🔹 Maintain and repair fishing gear, coordinate volunteers, and share event info online
🔹 Represent LDWF professionally at public events

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗿:
✅ Background in education or fisheries biology preferred
✅ Angling experience is a plus
✅ Willingness to work weekends, early mornings, and evenings
✅ Interest in outdoor education, event coordination, and volunteer management

This is a great opportunity to build a career in conservation and outdoor education!

📍 Location: Statewide (all locations considered; preference for Lafayette or Pineville offices)
📅 Apply by April 30: https://buff.ly/Fre0IE9

04/22/2026

03/27/2026

Thoughts on the crab crisis?

Right now, “trying to get crabs is like finding gold,” said Keyong Singleton, owner of Singleton Seafood in Schriever.

Read more from Rachel Handley: https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/lafourche-terrebonne/crab-shortage-hits-terrebonne-parish-some-in-industry-blame-oil-spill/289-0c2e4ab4-bcaa-4637-aee0-ed054a491bec?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WWLTV

03/27/2026

Tommorow's the day! Get out there and get those bass!

🎣 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗼 – 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟴 🎉 Join the nation’s oldest freshwater fishing tournament!

▪️🎓 Student competition
▪️👵 Age-based categories
▪️ 🎶 Free festival with food, DJ & fun

📍 Register now: https://buff.ly/GHRaNhz

📸 Tag your catch with and let the good times roll!

Registration closes March 26!