With the feds providing a measly three-day season for private recreational anglers in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Florida announced a 78-day recreational red snapper season that opened in early May for state waters in the Gulf.
The season opened with red snapper harvest allowed during weekends only in May and then transferred to daily snapper harvest allowed on May 27. This daily season will remain open through July 9. The season will also reopen for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in September and October, and on Labor Day.
This season will maintain fishing opportunities for recreational anglers in state waters and provide spring, summer and fall fishing options.
The Gulf federal season was recently announced by NOAA Fisheries and will be June 1-3 for private recreational anglers and June 1 through July 19 for federally permitted charter boats and head boats.
Those who plan to fish for red snapper in Gulf state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel must sign up as a Gulf Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal is required). To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Gulf Reef Fish Survey” under “Reef Fish.” Sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.