Blackfin Snapper in Louisiana
Louisiana blackfin snapper: what may be kept and where to look.
- 10 a daylimit
- 11.00 lbrecord
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Louisiana blackfin snapper: limit, record, water
Louisiana rules for blackfin snapper sit in the saltwater table, on the line headed “Snapper: queen, blackfin, silk and wenchman”. That row allows 10 daily per person in aggregate, with the season given as open year-round in state waters.
The heaviest rod and reel entry is 11.00 lb, Garden Banks, 2025, angler Gregory Smith.
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| Pamphlet row | Waters | Daily limit and size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snapper: queen, blackfin, silk and wenchman | Louisiana state waters | 10 daily per person in aggregate | Open year-round in state waters |
Possession: Same as daily bag limit unless otherwise noted (pamphlet p.28)
Limits and seasons as printed in the 2026 Louisiana Recreational Fishing Regulations (LDWF pamphlet, updated September 21, 2026), page 29 (pamphlet PDF); confirmed on the LDWF saltwater finfish page October 28, 2026.
The heaviest blackfin snapper on the Louisiana list
| Division | Method | Weight | Angler | Water | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| saltwater | Rod & Reel | 11.00 lb | Gregory Smith | Garden Banks | May 2025 |
More blackfin snapper in the top ten
- 10.80 lb, Jason DoerleGarden Banks, May 2026
- 8.80 lb, Charles J Andre JrFlower Gardens, May 2023
- 8.80 lb, Andrew GodleyGarden Banks, July 2023
- 8.80 lb, Jason DoerleGarden Banks, April 2024
Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA), LOWA "Louisiana State Fish Records Official Copy", records current through the record awarded September 25, 2026 (PDF created 2026-09-25); read October 28, 2026.
Bringing blackfin snapper back to the dock
Possessing it takes the no-fee Recreational Offshore Landing Permit as well as Basic and Saltwater licenses.
Paying charter customers fall under the captain's Charter ROLP.
LDWF license and permit list in the 2026 Louisiana Recreational Fishing Regulations (LDWF pamphlet, updated September 21, 2026); read October 28, 2026.
Louisiana neighbours of blackfin snapper on the list
- Queen Snappersaltwater
- Silk Snappersaltwater
- Wenchmansaltwater
- Red Snappersaltwater
- Mutton Snappersaltwater
- Cubera Snappersaltwater
- Gray Snappersaltwater
- Yellowtail Snappersaltwater
- Lane Snappersaltwater
- Vermilion Snappersaltwater
A photo walk along water near Blackfin Snapper
Photo: Billy Hathorn at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Michael McCarthy (msm62166), CC BY 2.0
Photo: Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0
Louisiana blackfin snapper: the questions anglers ask
How many blackfin snapper may I keep in Louisiana?
LDWF prints 10 daily per person in aggregate, season open year-round in state waters.
How big is the Louisiana record blackfin snapper?
11.00 lb, Garden Banks, 2025, by Gregory Smith (rod and reel).
Which Louisiana pages point to blackfin snapper?
None of the lake, bayou or coast pages include it so far.
Are blackfin snapper part of the LDWF hatchery work?
No LDWF stocking row names it.
Which waters change the blackfin snapper rule?
LDWF gives it no rule tied to one water.
Does Louisiana close the blackfin snapper season?
Season as printed: Open year-round in state waters.
Which LDWF license lets me fish for blackfin snapper?
South of the LDWF saltwater line an angler 18 or older carries a Basic Fishing License plus a Saltwater License: $17 and $15 for residents, $68 and $60 for nonresidents. A free ROLP is needed as well.
Who checks a new Louisiana blackfin snapper record?
The Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association keeps the list; an LDWF biologist confirms the species.
Find blackfin snapper a short drive away
The pages above list launches and limits.