Louisiana closes recreational greater amberjack in state waters at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 14

Louisiana state waters are now closed to recreational greater amberjack. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issued a declaration of emergency shutting the season at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 14, 2026. Secretary Tyler Bosworth acted after NOAA Fisheries told the department the 2026 annual catch target was projected to be met and that harvest in federal waters of the Gulf of America would close the same morning.

The state closure is written to stay in step with the federal season. NOAA told LDWF the recreational fishery will stay closed until the regularly scheduled 2027 season, currently Sept. 1, 2027. The department said matching rules in state waters make enforcement workable and are meant to prevent long-term overfishing.

This is the state-water emergency, issued Oct. 14. Anglers who fish both sides of the line should treat Louisiana waters and Gulf federal waters as closed for recreational greater amberjack until that 2027 opening, unless LDWF announces a change.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Houma Times — Emergency declaration issued to close Louisiana amberjack season until 2027 (LDWF press release, Oct. 14, 2026). Also: The Fishing Wire — LDWF to close recreational greater amberjack season Oct. 14, 2026.