By DON DUBUC

What do sharks and bullfrogs have in common?

OK, you’re right, not much. But beginning this month they’re both off limits to Louisiana’s sportsmen.

Closed seasons for all species of sharks (April 1-June 30) and frogs (April 1-May 31) are in place as conservation measures. However, there is an argument over whether sharks are really in any danger.

And a lot of folks, especially those who swim in Gulf of Mexico, are hoping there would be even fewer.

Nevertheless the recreational or commercial harvest and possession of any sharks is banned for three months in Louisiana’s offshore waters.

On frogging, two species bullfrogs and pig frogs, cannot be caught and kept during April and May. When the season reopens in June, those who prefer do-it-yourself frog legs have no limits to adhere to, only size restrictions.

Length is measured from the tip of the muzzle to the posterior end of the body between and not including the legs. Minimum size for bullfrogs is five inches, for pig frogs, three inches. Frogs can be taken using any visible lights and mechanical devices known as frog catchers or with gigs and spears. It is illegal to posses a firearm while hunting frogs at night.

Red snapper season is near

Not all the news about spring fishing is about closures. The long awaited, recreational red snapper season will open April 21. Red snapper is the only of some 14 members of the snapper family found in gulf waters that has a seasonal bag limit warranting temporary closures.

The length of the season is determined by estimates of when the total harvest quota has been reached. Generally that should take place and the season closure announced sometime in early fall.

The daily bag limit this year is four fish, minimum 16 inches long, per person, per day. Other snapper limits that can be taken year round are Queen, Blackfin, Silk, Wenchman and Mutton (16-inch minimum on this one only) – combined total of 10 per person/day. Lane (minimum eight inches) Vermillion (minimum 10 inches) along with triggerfish (minimum 12 inches) and Almaco Jack, Goldface Tilefish, Tilefish, Anchor Tilefish and Blue Tilefish – combined total of 20 per person/day. In case you’re wondering what the best snapper bait might be a study of red snapper food habits might help you choose what to use. The most commonly eaten fish were pipefish, snake eels, sea robins, pinfish, striped anchovies, cusk eels and pigfish. Six different species of crabs were also identified. None of these are considered common red snapper baits.

Owens wins Venice tourney

Of 19 teams competing in last month’s Three Rivers Bassmasters tournament in Venice, an unprecedented 12 returned with full five fish limits. Danny Owens’ 20.75 stringer with a whopping four-plus pound average anchored by a big 4.95-pounder led the field. Current point leader Jake Impastato (30.25) was second with a 19.20 stringer followed other top-six finishers Mark Mohr, Glenn Tamberella, James Clairain, and Bill Bellendorf.

There are 10 tournaments remaining on the schedule including this month’s event set for April 20 at the Caernarvon Launch. For membership and tournament details contact Eddie Ramon at 985-892-0234.

Plan to be unveiled

The next meeting of the Gulf Safety Committee (GSC) is set for April 17, 5-8 p.m. at the Larose Regional Park at 307 East St. in Larose. The highlight of the meeting will be the release of a draft version of a Communication Protocol. This plan has been created with the input of oil industry representatives, commercial and recreational fishermen, divers, the U.S. Coast Guard and others. It is the first step in allowing continued boating access to offshore structures while establishing a system whereby the threat of terrorist activities is controlled. Without a system of clearance through communications, access to offshore structures could be limited or eliminated. Among other issues to be discussed are Safety and Security Zones, potential hazards near offshore facilities and a description of the LOOP Safety Zone.

The public is invited to attend and participate.

DON DUBUC is the outdoors reporter for L’Observateur.