A bill that would’ve given gamefish status to Atlantic tarpon in Louisiana has been vetoed by Governor Jeff Landry. This despite House Bill 688 by Rep. Joseph Orgeron having passed both chambers of the Louisiana legislature by unanimous margins. It leaves Louisiana as the only state, where the species is present in numbers, that does not designate gamefish status to this prized sportfish.
This bill would’ve done more than just given gamefish status to one of the most prized recreational species in saltwater. It would have put management of tarpon under the auspices of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. And it turn, the LWFC could’ve determined the extent of current “catch and kill” tarpon tournaments. It also would’ve required LWFC to take actions to limit any activity in which tarpon was a significant bycatch.
In his veto letter, Landry wrote: “I can discern no corresponding conservation benefits in this designation. There is no real harvest pressure on tarpon, and nothing in the science suggests we need new limits or restrictions to protect them. Louisiana anglers do not need more regulatory hurdles for their recreational activities.”
The Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) and the Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International (FFI) expressed extreme disappointment in this action. It’s our belief that this was a measure may have been to further protect the menhaden industry from repercussions of tarpon bycatch.
FFI-GCC Conservation Director Glen ‘Catch’ Cormier stated that this action was the final blow to a very disappointing legislative session in which two bills to limit redfish (and other gamefish) bycatch by menhaden harvest failed to pass.
“We will be appealing to legislators to include HB688 in their veto override session. If accepted, we firmly believe the legislators will maintain their previous position that tarpon are too valuable a fish to be killed routinely just for display.”.
Last week, the fly fishing world lost an icon in the realm of fly casting. Bill Gammel of Baytown, TX, passed away at the young age of 56. Gammel was a fly casting instructor who – with his father Jay – revolutionized the sport by co-creating the five core principles for effective fly casting.
Since 2007, the Gulf Coast Council has annually recognized individuals and clubs for their accomplishments in education, conservation, service and other areas that promote the goals and ideals of Fly Fishers International.
Did you know that women are the fastest growing demographic in fly fishing? Fly Fishers International recognized the value in mentoring women by establishing a women-focused program over 10 years ago. It is now known as FFI Women Connect.
The Gulf Coast Fly Fishers of coastal Mississippi will hold a “Double Header” seminar on Tuesday, June 2nd, at 6:00pm at the Biloxi Yacht Club at 
Each year, wildlife agencies in each state designate “Free Fishing Days” for the public to fish recreationally in public waters without a fishing license. These events are part of National Fishing and Boating Week.
Our Gulf Coast Classic earlier this month may have seemingly capped off an active season of fly fishing festivals, shows, clinics, and other related events. But in the immortal words of Billy Mays, “Wait, there’s more!”.
June 13 (Sat) – Tripletail Classic
June 25 (Thu) – Fly Fishing Film Tour benefitting Casting for Recovery – Southeast Chapter.
At the FFI Gulf Coast Classic, our Keynote Speaker Dr. Aaron Adams of the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust brought to the attention of the audience a bill currently in process in the 2026 Louisiana legislative session. House Bill 688 by Representative Joseph Orgeron would designate the Atlantic Tarpon as a gamefish.
