LDWF Proclaims New Speckled Trout Limits for Louisiana Anglers

After 4 years of heated debate over whether or not or to not cut back the catch limits on what’s unarguably Lousiana’s hottest fish, The LDWF has introduced new guidelines that can take impact on November 20, 2023. These adjustments mark the primary time for the reason that Nineteen Eighties that speckled trout limits have been modified.

The brand new speckled trout dimension and every day creel limits go into impact on November 20 and can be enforced.

The brand new laws are as follows:

• Measurement restrict: The dimensions restrict has been modified from 12 inches to 13 inches. Solely two fish included inside the every day creel restrict will be better than 20 inches complete size.
• Day by day Creel: Earlier than the brand new guidelines anglers saved 25 speckled trout per day. After the rule change they are going to solely be capable to hold 15 per angler per day.
• In what’s probably probably the most controversial change, charterboat guides and crew will be unable to retain a creel restrict whereas on a constitution journey however could interact in fishing.

The foundations have been on the head of heated dialogue and debate on the state’s Wildlife and Fisheries Fee. Louisiana Constitution captains have objected to elevating the minimal dimension restrict stating that their prospects will wrestle to catch sufficient fish for the day with out their assist.

LDWF mentioned the adjustments are vital to enhance the speckled trout inventory in Louisiana

In 2019 the division launched its outcomes from quite a few research taken from 2014 – 2018.

– Trout have been overfished since 2014
– The overwhelming majority of trout caught final yr have been barely mature fish

– Leisure landings are their lowest stage ever in recorded historical past
– Spawning inventory biomass is at its lowest stage ever
– Feminine spawning recruitment is at its lowest stage ever

The brand new laws are scheduled to “sundown” at midnight, Jan. 1, 2028 and LDWF employees are required to supply an up-to-date inventory evaluation earlier than the fee’s April 2027 assembly. This replace evaluation will present the fee a possibility to switch the laws, if wanted, earlier than the sundown in 2028.

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award successful out of doors journalist that resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly out of doors column for the Slidell Unbiased Newspaper. He additionally writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Fee’s LouisianaNorthshore.com and Louisiana Northshore Discover Journal. He’s the previous host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Present and is on the board of the Louisiana Out of doors Writers Affiliation. Keith contributes to quite a few publications each on-line and in print and prides himself on selling South Louisiana’s distinctive fishery.