Deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is thriving despite the April 2010 oil spill disaster. Red snapper is a prized sport fish in the gulf. It is highly regulated by Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries due to overfishing.
The recreational season for red snapper fishing in the gulf is from April 21 until October 31. The limit per day is four and the minimum length is 16 inches, as of October 2010. Dates, limits and size are amended often by Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, and a check of current regulations is a must for sport fishers. A deep-sea license is required, and one-day, three-day and seasonal licenses are available from bait shops and convenience stores near fishing ports all along the gulf.
Red snapper are found 30 miles from shore in waters between 50 and 300 feet deep, near reefs and working and abandoned oil rigs. You may fish alongside a working rig, but it's necessary to obtain the phone or radio contact information of the rig from the Coast Guard to ensure that your safety or that of the rig workers is not threatened.
Commercial sport fishing guides in the gulf are experienced in the weather (they know that storms in the Gulf of Mexico come up suddenly), Louisiana rules and regulations, and daily fishing conditions. They are in constant contact with the Coast Guard and rig operators and supply their guests with all proper licensing. Tour boats are often large enough to accommodate groups of up to 28.
