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LAGNIAPPE • VOLUME 41, NO. 9
Lagniappe
September 2017 • Volume 41, No. 9
A Joint Publication of Louisiana Sea Grant and LSU AgCenter
Atlantic Tarpon
With fossil records dating back to prehistoric times, the Atlantic tarpon, Megalops atlanticus, is an ancient species known to have
been swimming the ocean for the past 125 million years. These sh range from Virginia to Brazil, with the greatest concentrations in the
Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, making them a popular saltwater sport sh. Adult tarpon are primarily found in shallow coastal waters,
estuaries and even in some fresh waters. Atlantic tarpon are known for their renowned strength and “air time” that they provide when
snagged on a shing line, providing sherman with an exciting and strenuous battle when reeling them in.
Being poor for human consumption, this species is not shed for food value and are even restricted from being commercially
shed in some states, making them plentiful for recreational and charter sherman. Atlantic tarpon have a 50-year average life span
for females, and 30 year average for males. Females reach larger sizes, up to 300 pounds and eight feet in length. These sh are slow
growers, reaching sexual maturity at seven years of age, and females produce up to 12 million eggs per year. The spawning season for
tarpon is April-July with females waiting for strong tides to release their eggs. Tarpon larvae have a transparent appearance and travel
to brackish or freshwater to develop into juveniles for their rst year, then venture further into saltwater as they grow older. Since they
have no teeth, tarpon swallow their prey whole and have a main diet of shrimp, small crabs and small bottom dwelling sh. It is not
uncommon for adult tarpon to return back to freshwater in search of food, sometimes even in small schools.
Tarpon are a very unique type of sh with the ability to breath air, which is one reason they can battle for so long once caught. The
tarpon’s strength, stamina and ghting ability make them a premier game sh. Their almost majestic appearance of size and color get
them the name “silver king.” Tarpon often are seen rolling on the surface of the water to get fresh air, sometimes even in schools of up
to 30, making it very easy for shermen to nd and target. Louisiana hosts many large-scale tournaments and events, providing shing
competitions and attractions for sherman and families around the country. These events are often called “rodeos” and can even hold
rewards for the biggest tarpon caught, along with the bragging rights and satisfaction from reeling in one. The Grand Isle International
Tarpon Rodeo is the oldest shing tournament in the United States, starting back in 1928.
- Skylar Bueche
- Skylar Bueche
- Skylar Bueche
www.atlanticpanic.com/species/view/tarpon/
www.tarponsh.com/tarpon-facts/
www.orvis.com/news/y-shing/sh-facts-tarpon-megalops-atlanticus/
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LAGNIAPPE • VOLUME 41, NO. 9
LOUISIANA REGULATIONS
GULF OF MEXICO REGULATIONS

issues. The following is a brief summary of the Council’s actions:
Stock Assessment Schedule: 



Greater Amberjack

annual catch limits and targets.

Ad-Hoc Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Advisory Panel: 



Approved Domestic Aquatic Organisms
A Notice of Intent is under consideration to alter the approved Domestic Aquatic Organisms to include Sterlet sturgeon.
An application for consideration was submitted to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to add Sterlet
sturgeon to the list of approved species for aquaculture purposes including processing for meat and caviar.
The department heavily monitors this process to limit the impacts from non-native aquatic organisms into aquaculture. Species are
considered for approval by evaluating their potential negative risks to native species, their habitats, and human health.
Permit restrictions and the full notice of intent are available here:
www.wlf.louisiana.gov/sites/default/les/pdf/document/41405-noi-dao-sterlet-sturgeon-mark/noi_-_dao_-_
sterlet_sturgeon_mark-up.pdf
.
Interested persons may submit comments relative to the proposed rule to Robert Bourgeois, LDWF Permit Manager,
P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898, or via email to rbour[email protected] prior to Sept. 29, 2017.
Louisiana Red Snapper Fishing Season
Louisiana anglers were able to complete the extended red snapper season due to the latest LA Creel landings data. The Louisiana
Wildlife and Fisheries Commission ordered LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet to shut down the red snapper season when it appears
anglers met the self-imposed limit of 1.04 million pounds.
The latest catch statistics from LDWF’s LA Creel, the agency’s near real-time data collecting program, show that 880,603 pounds
of red snapper had been caught as of Aug. 20. The last reported amount was 849,227 pounds.
The LDWF established a limit on its red snapper catch because it believes that being accountable for the catch limit will help the
state’s chances of receiving federal government permission allowing Louisiana to manage its own red snapper season out 200 nautical
miles from its coast.
The red snapper shing season was extended 39 days as part of an agreement reached earlier this summer involving Louisiana,
the four other Gulf states – Mississippi, Alabama, Texas and Florida – and the U.S. Department of Commerce. It allowed recreational
anglers to sh out 200 miles from the Louisiana coast for red snapper on weekends through Labor Day.
Also under the agreement, there would be no red snapper shing in state waters – out nine miles from the Louisiana coast – on
Mondays through Thursdays, except on July 3-4 and Sept. 4. Anglers are limited to two sh, measuring at least 16 inches, per day.
For more information on the 2017 red snapper landings estimates, visit:
www.wlf.louisiana.gov/sites/default/les/pdf/
page/41176-red-snapper-long-range-plan-facts/redsnapperwebsitedocument8-20-17.pdf.
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LAGNIAPPE • VOLUME 41, NO. 9
State Management of Recreational Red Snapper: 
-



and Alabama and added additional amendments for Florida and Texas. Staff will revise the draft documents and the council


Fish Gear Coordinates — July



  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 


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LAGNIAPPE • VOLUME 41, NO. 9
Louisiana Shrimp Watch
Louisiana specic data portrayed in the graphics are selected from preliminary data posted by NOAA on its website. All
data portrayed are subject to nal revision and approval by NOAA. Shrimp landings are ex-vessel prices, inclusive of all species
harvested. Missing, inadequate or withheld reports are portrayed as “zero” in these graphics. Price graphics reect central Gulf states
only (Texas and Florida are reported independently).
For more information, please refer to: www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/market_news/index.html
Important Dates & Upcoming Events
SEPT. 12:
Inshore Charter Captain Meeting (Madisonville) @ Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum 6-8 pm.
SEPT. 13:
Inshore Charter Captain Meeting (Chalmette) @ St. Bernard Parish Government Bldg. (council chambers). 6-8 pm.
SEPT. 14: Inshore Charter Captain Meeting (Houma) @ Terrebonne Parish Library (upstairs room) 6-8 pm
SEPT. 18: Inshore Charter Captain Meeting (Lake Charles) @ LSU AgCenter Calcasieu Ofce, 6-8 pm.
SEPT. 23: National Hunting and Fishing Day
OCT. 2-6: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Meeting in Biloxi, Miss.
MARCH 6, 2018:
LFF Fisheries Summit – Adapting to Change @ Pontchartrain Center
5
LAGNIAPPE • VOLUME 41, NO. 9
Lagniappe Fisheries Newsletter
Editor: Julie Anderson Lively Web coordinator: Melissa Castleberry Copy editor: Roy Kron
THE GUMBO POT
Strain the oyster juices (the “liquor”) into a container to remove
grit and refrigerate or freeze for future use. Set the oysters aside.
In a shallow bowl, combine the our with 3 tablespoons of the
Creole seasoning and mix thoroughly. In a separate bowl, make an egg
wash by beating the eggs well along with the milk and the remaining
tablespoon of Creole seasoning.
Arrange the bowls containing the our mixture, the egg mixture,
and the bacon bread crumbs side by side. Pour enough bacon fat into a
heavy cast-iron pot, Dutch oven or deep fryer to cover 8 of the oysters.
Set the oven temperature to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with paper tow-
els and place it in the oven.
Heat the fat over medium high heat to 350°F. While the fat is
heating, dredge the oysters in the seasoned our, using tongs, then in the
Recipe courtesy of Louisiana Kitchen & Culture.
For more recipes or to subscribe to their magazine or free newsletter, please visit http://louisiana.kitchenandculture.com/
The Bacon Bread Crumbs:
8 slices raw bacon
4 cups bread crumbs
5 fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Creole seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
BACON-CRUSTED OYSTERS
Be sure to visit the Lagniappe blog for
additional news and timely events between issues.
https://
louisianalagniappe.wordpress.com/
The Fried Oysters:
16 shucked fresh Louisiana oysters
3 cups all-purpose our
4 tablespoons Creole seasoning, divided
3 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
the reserved bacon bread crumbs
the reserved bacon fat
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 basil leaves, cut into narrow strips
1 cup microgreens
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon nely chopped preserved lemon*
4 tablespoons crumbled chevre cheese and 1 tablespoon minced chives, for garnish
*Available at specialty stores and some supermarkets.
Method:
egg wash and nally in the bread crumbs, shaking off any excess. When
the fat reaches the correct temperature, fry the oysters in two batches of
eight. With the tongs, drop each oyster in the hot fat and fry until golden
and crispy, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the rst batch
of oysters to the warm oven.
After frying the second batch of oysters, remove the rst batch
from the oven and immediately sprinkle all 16 of them with Creole
seasoning to taste.


-


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LAGNIAPPE • VOLUME 41, NO. 9
Thu Bui
Assistant Extension Agent, Fisheries
St. Mary, Iberia, and Vermilion Parishes
Phone: (337) 828-4100, ext. 300
tbui@agcenter.lsu.edu
Carol D. Franze
Associate Area Agent
Southeast Region
Phone: (985) 875-2635
cfranze@agcenter.lsu.edu
Albert ‘Rusty’ Gaudé
Area Agent, Fisheries
Jefferson, Orleans, St. Charles and St. John Parishes
Phone: (504) 433-3664
agaude@agcenter.lsu.edu
Thomas Hymel
Watershed Educator
Iberia, St. Martin, Lafayette, Vermilion,
St. Landry, & Avoyelles Parishes
Phone: (337) 276-5527
thymel@agcenter.lsu.edu
We would like to hear from you! Please contact us regarding shery questions, comments or concerns you
would like to see covered in the Lagniappe. Anyone interested in submitting information, such as articles,
editorials or photographs pertaining to shing or sheries management is encouraged to do so.
Please contact Lagniappe editor Julie Anderson Lively at janderson@agcenter.lsu.
Julie A. Anderson Lively
Assistant Professor
LSU Agcenter & Louisiana Sea Grant
114 RNR Building
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Phone: 225-578-0771
Fax: 225-578-4227
janderson@agcenter.lsu.edu
Kevin Savoie
Area Agent (Southwest Region)
Natural Resources-Fisheries
Phone: (337) 475-8812
ksavoie@agcenter.lsu.edu
Dominique Seibert
Area Agent - Coastal Advisor
Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes
Phone: (504) 433-3664
dseibert@agcenter.lsu.edu
Mark Shirley
Area Agent (Aquaculture & Coastal Resources)
Jefferson Davis, Vermilion, Acadia, St. Landry,
Evangeline, Cameron, Calcasieu, Lafayette,
Beauregard, & Allen Parishes
Phone: (337) 898-4335
mshirley@agcenter.lsu.edu
For more information, contact your local extension agent: