Florida, a state renowned for its vibrant marine life and beloved for being the Fishing and Boating Capital of the World, is leading the charge in extending the red snapper fishing season — following the recent announcement of a record-setting 103 days available for anglers to harvest red snapper in federal waters off Florida’s coast.

Over the last four years, restrictions on red snapper fishing for recreational anglers have been progressively relaxed across the Gulf of Mexico, from Louisiana to Florida. Thanks to progressive management and data collection efforts, such as the State Reef Fish Survey, the upcoming season will afford anglers an impressive 103 days to catch red snapper in federal waters.

This significant increase not only reflects the success in sustainable fishing practices but also allows for a more inclusive participation in this cherished pastime. Governors and local officials, including Governor Ron DeSantis, have expressed pride in this milestone, celebrating the longest season since the delegation of Gulf red snapper management to the state.

“Anglers from all over the country look forward to Gulf recreational red snapper season and the iconic fishing opportunities Florida provides yearly. We want to thank Governor DeSantis, the Legislature, and our recreational anglers for their continued investment in the State Reef Fish Survey, which gives us the data to allow these additional days for snapper fishing in Gulf state and federal waters this season.”

said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young.

SEASONS

The extended season includes a 61-day summer period, from June 1 through July 31, followed by a historic 42-day fall season, carefully scheduled to encompass major holidays such as Father’s Day, July 4th, and Thanksgiving.

• Open:
  • June 1 – July 31
  • September 1-2, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29
  • October 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
  • November 1-3, 8-11, 15-17, 22-24, 28-30

MINIMUM SIZE AND BAG LIMITS

In alignment with the efforts to ensure the sustainability of the red snapper population, specific regulations have been established for the upcoming season.

• Anglers are required to adhere to a minimum size limit of 16 inches total length (TL)
• There is a daily bag limit of 2 per person, which is part of the 10 per harvester per day state snapper aggregate bag limit.

For those fishing aboard charter vessels, there is a notable regulation that needs to be observed.

• Charter captains and their crew are not permitted to keep any red snapper, essentially having a bag limit of zero.

This rule is designed to maximize the number of fish available to recreational anglers, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy this prized catch during the extended season.

Compliance with these rules is crucial for maintaining the balance between recreational enjoyment and conservation efforts.

Regardless of fishing license exemption, those targeting red snapper from private vessels in state or federal waters must register annually as a State Reef Fish Angler at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

For Anglers Aspiring to Excel in Red Snapper Fishing:

• Understanding the habitat is crucial. Red snappers are commonly found near structures like reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs, at depths between 50 to 300 feet.
• Utilizing heavy fishing gear is advisable due to the red snapper’s strength and the often deep-water environments they inhabit.
• High-quality, braided fishing lines paired with a strong, sensitive rod can significantly improve catch rates by ensuring you can feel the bite and manage the fight efficiently.
• Bait selections: try live bait such as sardines, mackerel, or squid. It is highly effective in attracting red snappers due to its natural appeal. For artificial lures, brightly colored jigs can be successful, especially when used in conjunction with chumming to draw snappers closer to your boat.
• It’s also beneficial to focus your efforts during the early morning or late afternoon when red snappers are most active.
• Additionally, employing fish finders or sonar technology can drastically improve your efficiency in locating snappers and targeting them more accurately. This approach not only saves time but also increases the likelihood of a fruitful catch by focusing on areas with higher fish activity.

Practicing responsible fishing by adhering to size and bag limits, as well as catch and release protocols for undersized or excess fish, ensures the sustainability of the red snapper population for future generations.

Download FishVerify now and become a more informed, responsible, and successful angler!