TAG IT LOUISIANA
The RFRI Red Snapper & Redfish Tag-and-Release Tournaments aren’t just about fishing – they’re about making a difference. These tournaments gather crucial data that helps guide fisheries management, while also bringing together key stakeholders. It’s a fun, hands-on way to contribute to real-time research and innovative data collection methods that support the future of our fish populations. The Red Snapper tournament will run concurrently with Louisiana’s recreational red snapper season. The inaugural Redfish (TBD) tournament will run from: April – June & August – October. Check LDWF’s website for the latest season info for the Red Snapper and Redfish regs.
Tag It Louisiana: Join the Adventure – Be a Citizen Scientist!
Welcome to Tag It Louisiana – where your fishing trips become part of an epic journey to understand and protect Louisiana’s incredible marine resources. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a seasoned angler, you can help us unlock the mysteries of fish movement, growth, and population health.
🎣 Why Join Tag It Louisiana?
🐟 Make Your Catch Count: Every fish you tag helps scientists gather vital data that supports sustainable fisheries for generations to come.
🌊 Be a Conservation Hero: Contribute directly to the research behind Louisiana's fisheries management.
🎯 Fun and Educational: Turn your fishing trip into a learning adventure.
🏆 Win Prizes: Top contributors can win exclusive RFRI swag, fishing gear, and more!
🚀 How It Works
Get Your Tagging Kit: Sign up online and receive your free Tag It Louisiana tagging kit.
Tag Your Catch: Follow simple instructions to safely tag and release your fish.
Report Your Tag Data: Submit your data through our easy-to-use Anglers Almanac App (see bottom of the page) or online form.
Track Your Impact: See how your efforts contribute to research and the future of fishing.
📸 Share Your Adventure Use the hashtag #TagItLouisiana on social media and show off your catches! Connect with fellow anglers, compare stories, and become part of a growing community passionate about fishing and conservation.
🎯 Get Started Today! Ready to leave your mark on Louisiana’s waters? Sign up now and join the adventure. Let’s fish, tag, and protect – together!
Who
Any properly licensed recreational angler in Louisiana. You are required to have a Louisiana Basic Fishing and Saltwater Fishing Licenses and a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit if fishing for Tunas, Billfish, Swordfish, Amberjacks, Snappers, Groupers, Hinds, Cobia, Wahoo, Dolphinfish, or Gray Triggerfish.
When
The Red Snapper tournament runs concurrently with Louisiana’s recreational season. Generally, starts the Friday before Memorial Day and ends when the quota is filled. The inaugural 2024 Redfish tournament will run from: April – June & August – October. Check LDWF’s website for the latest season info for the Red Snapper and Redfish regs.
Where
Anglers can fish anywhere in Louisiana state waters or the Federal waters off of Louisiana during the open recreational red snapper season, click here for details.
What
Catch, Tag, Win! Help collect valuable info on Red Snapper & Redfish by participating in these Tournaments.
How Much
Registration is $20 & you must be a registered tagger in TAG Louisiana and download the Anglers Almanac App. Funds will be utilized exclusively for tournament expenses and to advance our understanding of red snapper and redfish.
2023 Tournament Prizes
1ST PLACE
Shimano Tekota 800PG $299.99
Shimano Talavera Rod $119.99
Shimano Tonno Bag Rod $145.99
Bubba Hook Extractor $43.99
Brun 20QT Ice Chest $200.99
Plus Braid • Plus M&B Gear
2ST PLACE
Shimano Tekota 500HG $219.99
Shimano Talavera Rod $119.99
Shimano Tonno Bag Rod $145.99
Bubba Hook Extractor $43.99
Brun 20QT Ice Chest $200.99
Plus Braid • Plus M&B Gear
3ST PLACE
Shimano Sedona 5000 $84.99
Shimano Talavera MH $99.99
Brun 20QT Ice Chest $200.99
Plus Braid • Plus M&B Gear
HOW TO ENTER
Angler Requirements
Participants will be required to have a smartphone & utilize a ruler in every photo for a catch to be valid.
Registration
Registration can only be done via TAGITLA. Individual participants must establish an account with a valid email, textable phone number & a mailing address. All tournament materials will be mailed.
- If you have an existing Tag Louisiana account, sign into your account and click the Register button in the Tag It Tournament banner on your dashboard.
- If you do not have a Tag Louisiana account, click the blue Create Account and Register button below. After you create your account, click the Register button in the Tag It Tournament banner on your dashboard.
We will accept any TAG Louisiana tags that an angler already has in their possession. Tags will be assigned to individual anglers.
Recreational Fisheries Research Institute, Inc.
Download the Angler Almanac App for tournament use.
Tagging & Catch Submission Rules and Requirements
HOW TO WIN
0 pt.
0 pts.
0 pts.
0 pts.
TOP 3 ANGLERS BASED ON POINTS
CATEGORIES: OPEN
DIVISIONS: RED SNAPPER & REDFISH
If fish that are tagged are recaptured, tagging angler will receive recapture info and recapturing angler will also receive data about the original capture.
Tournament Rules
- It is the responsibility of all participants in the TAG IT Tournament to read, understand, and comply with all of the tournament rules and requirements. If you have a question, do not hesitate to contact us via the CONTACT US TAB
- This tournament is for Red Snapper or Redfish only landed in the state of Louisiana during the open recreational season.
- All catches must comply with all requirements set forth by TAG IT regarding fishing rules, photo rules, & submission requirements in order to be considered a valid catch and have points awarded.
- It is the responsibility of the participants to adhere to LDWF recreational fishing regulations while fishing. Red Snapper Info Sheet & Redfish Info Sheet.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct before, during and after the event can result in disqualification and being banned from future TAG IT events. Disputes or grievances will be handled with TAG IT in private.
- All rules and requirements are subject to change during the tournament. Any rules and or requirements changed will be communicated to individuals. It is understood that a catch prior to an update of these rules is exempt. TAG IT is part of a non-profit entity (RFRI).
LOUISIANA FISHERIES PIONEER
On Valentine’s Day 2018, Louisiana’s saltwater fishermen lost one of the best friends they ever could have had when Maumus “Timau” Claverie passed away.
Timau was saving fish long before saving fish was cool. He got his start in fisheries management in the mid-70s when he saw a problem with foreign longliner boats catching lots of yellowfin tuna and billfish, and Timau knew this had to stop or we could lose our billfish stocks close to home. It was his dedication and untiring efforts that lead to legislation stopping foreign longliners from operating in the Gulf of Mexico.
Timau moved on to be one of the founders of Save our Specks. He was one of the founding members of CCA Louisiana in 1983. Timau knew more about fisheries management than most, and served in many areas of CCA, including chaire of their science committee and on the national board of directors. Timau gave thousands upon thousands of hours of his time to save the fish: He took time away from his family, his law practice and even fishing to save and protect our marine fisheries resources.
Timau served four terms on the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, including being chairman for one year, and was a longtime member of the board of trustees for the International Gamefish Association, the Billfish Foundation, and the International Commission for Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. Timau made many trips to both the state and nation’s capital to testify on fisheries conservation issues. When Timau spoke, people listened because he always based his comments on sound science and facts – not emotion.
We lost a giant in fisheries management. He was the best friend that speckled trout, redfish, billfish and tuna ever had in Louisiana. Timau came up with the idea for the speckled trout and redfish tagging program, and is the man that put together all the tagging kits, made the tag sticks, entered the information of tagged fish and then logged the recapture information via computer. Timau knew how critical this information would be for fisheries management and put in thousands of hours for the program.
For all of Timau’s hard work and dedication to fisheries management for more than 30 years, he was inducted into the Louisiana CCA Hall of Fame.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SUPPORT US?
ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
Managing the future of fishing in Louisiana is a monumental task and in order for the RFRI to tackle fisheries, habitat, and coastal restoration projects, funding is required. Your contributions will greatly protect, enhance and maintain the Gulf Coast Marine Fishery through science, education and public involvement.
