On the heels of proposed new rules for redfish, Louisiana authorities are considering new restrictions on speckled trout fishing.
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission seeks to increase the size minimum for specks from 12 inches to 13, reduce the total catch per angler per day from 25 to 15, and impose a size limit of 20 inches (but allow anglers to keep two fish larger than 20 inches per day).
The new rules would sunset in 2028, pending a reassessment of the fish population.
"Everyone agrees that the speckled trout has been in decline," said WWL Outdoors Show host Don Dubuc. "It's been noticeable for several years, probably for a decade."
Dubuc says the disagreement is on how to better regulate fishing so species can bounce back.
"They came up with several plans to bring'em back, they're looking to reduce the total catch by 20 percent," Dubuc explained. "They've gone through all different types of regulations and scenarios and public comment."
But Dubuc is not sure the current proposal will be approved.
"These commissioners, I think, are overthinking it," said Dubuc. "There's politics involved. Voters are going to the legislature and putting pressure on them."
But if something isn't done, Dubuc says speckled trout fishing will only suffer.
