When it comes to US-renowned saltwater fly fishing destinations, two geographical areas immediately spring to mind: the Florida Keys and Louisiana. While both offer the excitement of sight fishing and merit their esteemed reputations, targeting bull redfish in Louisiana stands out as a top choice for the average angler.

It's not solely about the exceptional quality of the fish itself; the culture, cuisine, people, and ecosystem create a wholly unique experience that doesn’t require a stamp on a passport. Unlike pursuing tarpon, permit, or bonefish in the Florida Keys, going after bull redfish in Louisiana is forgiving. Even novice anglers embarking on a fishing trip can land dozens of world-class fish.

What sets this Louisiana fishery apart are two distinctive features. Firstly, it's managed exclusively by the Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife (LDWF), unlike most other saltwater fisheries regulated by federal agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Secondly, there hasn't been any commercial fishing for redfish since 1988. Despite bycatch issues arising from the menhaden and trawling industries, the state manages regulations based on the fishery's exclusive recreational nature.

In the past spring, LDWF conducted its first stock assessment in over three decades. To provide context, two decades ago, the redfish population numbered a staggering 22,000,000 million. Today, it's estimated at around 8,500,000. At first glance, this might appear concerning for the fishery, but according to the best available science, it remains healthy. If you’ve never been to the area, and book a local guide this fall, you will experience an unforgettable fishery.

So, where do we stand today (09/27/2023)? On August 12, 2023, the state of Louisiana issued a notice of intent to modify the current redfish bag limits. In 2022, anglers with licenses could keep up to 5 fish measuring between 18" and 27", with one fish exceeding 27". The initial proposal suggested a 35% reduction, aiming to rebuild the spawning potential within 30 years.

Two weeks later, during the subsequent meeting, a group of dedicated fishing guides and the Saltwater Guides Association made a bold move by proposing a more ambitious 55% reduction. For those anglers looking to harvest redfish, instead of the previous 5-fish limit, they advocated reducing it to 3. Moreover, the 7" slot limit would shrink to 4". If the state accepts this more aggressive reduction, it would expedite the restoration of the fishery's spawning potential from 30 years to just 12.

"Why throw a Hail Mary and hope our kids can catch it in 30 years? We can make a proactive decision now and rebuild the spawning potential in 12."- Captain Bailey Short. For Louisiana guides like Bailey Short and Ty Hibbs, who were born and raised in the region, opting for a higher reduction signifies a proactive effort to enhance the fishery while it's still in good shape. While some opposition believes that losing the opportunity to harvest an additional 2 fish per angler will affect their trips, others are confident that most anglers prefer catching more and larger fish rather than losing two extra to freezer burn.

Regardless of whether you've had the chance to visit Louisiana to target redfish, this issue should matter to you. In 2023, despite the various challenges facing the modern world, it's never too late to make informed decisions based on science that can impact the long-term sustainability of a national treasure.

We strongly urge you to be a thoughtful advocate. To get current news and updates, access videos, podcasts, and additional resources on the matter, explore the Saltwater Guides Association resources below or click HERE.

If we genuinely care about the future of fishing, it's crucial, as a community, to learn more about this conservation issue and actively engage in it.