The department closed the season so staffers could analyze the catch so far of the prized game and table fish. They found that more than 39,000 pounds (17,690 kilograms) of the private recreational quota remained, allowing the additional days and higher limit.

Properly licensed anglers may catch red snapper in both state and federal waters during Louisiana’s season. The federal government regulates commercial and federally licensed charter boats, but the five Gulf states have set private recreational seasons off their coasts since 2018.