Recreational Red Snapper Season Starts Thursday

TAMPA BAY, FL — Red snapper lovers can now dust off their fishing rods and try their hand at landing the big one.

The recreational red snapper season opened June 11 in Gulf state and federal waters, and will remain open through July 25.

“Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World, and we are proud to welcome Floridians and visitors to participate in red snapper season as our state moves forward with the safe reopening of our economy," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said.

“Red snapper season is one of the most anticipated and exciting saltwater fishing seasons that contribute to Florida being the Fishing Capital of the World,” said Eric Sutton, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission executive director. “The years of collaborative work with stakeholders and partners has resulted in a significant increase in the number of fishing days over the past few years, from just a few days to 45 red snapper fishing days in Gulf state and federal waters this year.”

For-hire operations that do not have a federal reef fish permit may also participate in the season but are limited to fishing for red snapper in Gulf state waters only.

If you plan to fish for red snapper in Gulf state or federal waters (excluding Monroe County) from a private recreational vessel, even if you are exempt from fishing license requirements, you must sign up as a Gulf Reef Fish Angler or State Reef Fish Angler.

The Gulf Reef Fish Angler designation will be expanded statewide and renamed State Reef Fish Angler starting July 1.

When catching red snapper and other deep-water fish, look out for symptoms of barotrauma (injuries caused by a change in pressure) such as the stomach coming out of the mouth, bloated belly, distended intestines and bulging eyes. When releasing fish with barotrauma, use a descending device or venting tool to help them survive and return to depth. Learn more about fish handling at the FWC website.

To learn more about the recreational red snapper season in Gulf state and federal waters, including season size and bag limits, click here and go to “Recreational Regulations” and “Snappers,” which is under the “Regulations by Species – Reef Fish” tab.

The federal Gulf season for for-hire operations with federal reef fish permits is June 1 through Aug. 1.