FISHING: Amends Department of Wildlife and Fisheries rules regarding red drum harvest

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Orgeron

LDWF may issue special permits allowing red drum over the size limit for eligible annual tournaments with four-day limits, five-year history, and bull red categories.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.

Purpose and Intent

HCR 5 proposes to amend Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) rules to authorize a limited exception to the current red drum (redfish) size limits.

The measure creates the authority for the LDWF Secretary to issue special permits allowing the harvest of red drum longer than the existing regulatory size limit for specific fishing tournaments or rodeos.

The goal is to preserve longstanding cultural and recreational fishing tournaments (including bull red categories) while maintaining overall red drum stock health.

Key Provisions

Adds a new provision to the LDWF rule at LAC 76:VII.363(A)(4), allowing the LDWF Secretary to issue special permits.

Eligibility criteria for tournaments/rodeos to qualify for special permits:

The event has been held regularly for five years or more.
The event has historically included a bull red category (a category for larger red drum).
The event is no longer than four days in length and occurs once per year.

Under the special permit, participants in qualifying events may take red drum in excess of the regulatory size limit (i.e., longer than the current maximum 27 inches total length, with mouth closed).

The bill directs the Louisiana Department of State Civil Service or the Office of the State Register to print the amendments in the Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC 76:VII.363(A)).

Affected Parties and Impacts

Recreational anglers participating in eligible tournaments or rodeos could harvest red drum longer than 27 inches during the event, subject to the special permit conditions and LDWF oversight.

Tournament organizers of eligible events gain a mechanism to continue traditional bull red categories while complying with stock management goals.

The LDWF would retain regulatory control through the permit process, ensuring events meet the defined criteria and timing parameters.

The proposal acknowledges historical tournaments and their economic and cultural importance, aiming to balance those interests with red drum stock recovery efforts.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

The measure was reported favorably by the House (11-0) on April 14, 2026.

It is a House Concurrent Resolution (HCR), meaning it expresses the Legislature’s support and directs regulatory action rather than enacting new statute; it directs the LDWF to implement the rule change.

The amendment to the Administrative Code would be published by the Office of the State Register (printing into LAC 76:VII.363(A)).

Practical Considerations

The bill relies on regulatory action rather than statutory change, so implementation depends on LDWF rulemaking and approval processes.

The success of stock recovery goals remains tied to the proper administration of the special permits and ongoing monitoring of red drum populations.

The four-day, annual cap and five-year tournament history requirements are designed to limit scope and protect management objectives.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison of current rules versus the proposed change, or a brief Q&A addressing typical questions from fishermen and tournament organizers.

Bill