Yep, Louisiana does not currently designate the Atlantic Tarpon as a gamefish, which allows them to be abused in pretty much every way. I am proud to mention that Mississippi does consider the tarpon to be a gamefish and even has regulations, which are:
- it is unlawful for recreational fishermen to possess more than one Atlantic Tarpon per vessel per day. The Atlantic Tarpon must also be a minimum of 75 inches measured from the head to the fork of the tail.
- It shall be unlawful for any fisherman to remove an Atlantic Tarpon over the length of 40 inches from the water unless the intent is to harvest within the limits defined above.
If Louisiana were to give the Atlantic tarpon gamefish status, it would allow the state Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to establish regulations for the protection of the tarpon, similar to other Gulf states.
Let’s hope it happens, it’s about time.
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