Menhaden

Method of Take

Menhaden are traditionally taken using purse seines. Boats and nets for taking menhaden are commercially licensed separately.

Seasons

Menhaden season opens on the third Monday of April and closes on Nov. 1 each year.

Special Provisions

Purse seines for taking Menhaden may not be used in any bay, river or bayou, nor within one mile of the shorelines of Jackson, Hancock or Harrison counties.

Purse seines may not be used to catch in excess of 5 percent by weight, in any single set of the net, any of the following species:

• Bluefish
• Cobia (Ling or Lemonfish)
• Dolphin
• Jack Crevalle
• King Mackerel
• Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout)

It also is illegal for any vessel carrying a purse seine to have on board in excess of 10 percent by weight of the total catch any of the aforementioned species.

It is further illegal for any vessel carrying a purse seine to have on board any quantity of Red Drum.