Red Grouper in Louisiana
Louisiana red grouper: what may be kept and where to look.
- 4 a daylimit
- 21.40 lbrecord
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Louisiana red grouper: limit, record, water
Louisiana rules for red grouper sit in the saltwater table, on the line headed “Grouper: red and yellowfin”. That row allows 4 daily in aggregate; not more than 2 red grouper per person; 20″ min total length, with the season given as closed feb. 1-march 31 seaward of the 20-fathom (120 feet) curve.
The heaviest rod and reel entry is 21.40 lb, Venice, 2022, angler Steve Jackson. This site ties it to 1 water, starting with Mississippi River Delta.
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| Pamphlet row | Waters | Daily limit and size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grouper: red and yellowfin | Louisiana state waters | 4 daily in aggregate; not more than 2 red grouper per person; 20" min total length | Closed Feb. 1-March 31 seaward of the 20-fathom (120 feet) curve |
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 red grouper on the Louisiana list
| Division | Method | Weight | Angler | Water | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| saltwater | Rod & Reel | 21.40 lb | Steve Jackson | Venice | August 2022 |
More red grouper in the top ten
- 13.25 lb, Michael MelanconS Timbalier Blk, July 2014
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 red grouper 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 pages that list red grouper
Brackish water holding red grouper
LDWF popular-species text on management-plan lakes, LOWA record waters, LDWF stocking releases and Get Out & Fish! sites; biggest waters first.
Louisiana neighbours of red grouper on the list
- Yellowfin Groupersaltwater
- Black Groupersaltwater
A photo walk along water near Red Grouper
Photo: Infrogmation of New Orleans, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Infrogmation, CC BY 2.5
Photo: Willam Blackwell, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC0 1.0
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Louisiana red grouper: the questions anglers ask
How many red grouper may I keep in Louisiana?
LDWF prints 4 daily in aggregate; not more than 2 red grouper per person; 20" min total length, season closed feb. 1-march 31 seaward of the 20-fathom (120 feet) curve.
How big is the Louisiana record red grouper?
21.40 lb, Venice, 2022, by Steve Jackson (rod and reel).
Which Louisiana pages point to red grouper?
Start with Mississippi River Delta among 1 pages.
Are red grouper part of the LDWF hatchery work?
No LDWF stocking row names it.
Which waters change the red grouper rule?
LDWF gives it no rule tied to one water.
Does Louisiana close the red grouper season?
Season as printed: Closed Feb. 1-March 31 seaward of the 20-fathom (120 feet) curve.
Which LDWF license lets me fish for red grouper?
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 red grouper record?
The Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association keeps the list; an LDWF biologist confirms the species.
Find red grouper a short drive away
The pages above list launches and limits.