Please select your home edition
Edition
Savvy Navvy 2024

Florida announces 103-day Red Snapper Recreational Season in Gulf of Mexico

by American Sportfishing Association 7 May 17:09 UTC
Florida announces 103-day Red Snapper Recreational Season in Gulf of Mexico © American Sportfishing Association

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the record 103-day 2024 Gulf Red Snapper recreational season, the longest season since the state was delegated management of Gulf red snapper.

This season will include both a summer and fall season which includes major holiday weekends such as Father's Day, July 4th and the Thanksgiving holiday.

"I am proud to announce that this snapper season will be the longest season since our state took over red snapper management in the Gulf," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "Florida is proud to be the Fishing and Boating Capital of the World."

"Under Governor DeSantis' bold leadership, we are maintaining Florida as the Fishing and Boating Capital of the World with another record-breaking Gulf recreational red snapper season," said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto. "We are proud to continue providing Floridians and visitors the world-class fishing opportunities we are known for."

"Anglers from all over the country look forward to Gulf recreational red snapper season and the iconic fishing opportunities Florida provides yearly," said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young. "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.

Those fishing from private recreational vessels or charter vessels will be able to participate in the 2024 Gulf red snapper season. The 61-day summer season will begin on June 1 and continue through July 31. The 42-day fall season is the longest fall season since the beginning of state management and spans the following weekend dates:

  • September 1-2 (Sunday through Monday of Labor Day Weekend)
  • September 6-8
  • September 13-15
  • September 20-22
  • September 27-29
  • October 4-6
  • October 11-13
  • October 18-20
  • October 25-27
  • November 1-3
  • November 8-11 (Veterans Day Weekend)
  • November 15-17
  • November 22-24
  • November 28-30 (Thursday through Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend)

Florida is able to offer this long season due to data driven management of the Red Snapper fishery on the Gulf Coast, which is not allowed by the Federal Government on the East Coast of the state. Consequently, the federal government's expected Atlantic Red Snapper Season will last 0-2 days.

In the event of rainy days impacting the number of fishing days, Florida will evaluate additional Gulf Red Snapper season dates to add later in the season. If you plan to fish for red snapper in state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, even if you are exempt from fishing license requirements, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal required) at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Find more on recreational snapper regulations at MyFWC.com/Marine.

Related Articles

ASMFC to meet on 2025 Striped Bass Management
The meeting is in response to the 2024 Stock Assessment Update The Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will meet on December 16th to consider changes to the 2025 management measures to meet the stock's rebuilding targets. Posted on 19 Nov
Science-based Red Snapper management
Spread the word! Tell NOAA to support it South Atlantic red snapper have rebounded so much that scientists and fishermen both agree the stock is at record abundance and there are more red snapper in the South Atlantic today than any living person has ever seen. Posted on 7 Nov
Governor announces marine infrastruce investment
Vote Yes on Florida's Amendment 2 this election day Not many people get to turn their favorite hobby into a full-time job. Thankfully, I'm one of the lucky few. Posted on 4 Nov
Striped Bass Rebuilding Policy
Sportfishing industry reiterates priorities The Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) released its 2024 Stock Assessment Update for striped bass at its annual meeting last week in Annapolis, MD. Posted on 29 Oct
Shark depredation continues to gain attention
Fishermen around the world have long contended with “depredation” Fishermen around the world have long contended with “depredation” — the partial or complete removal of a hooked fish before it's landed, by sharks or other marine predators. Posted on 19 Oct
New National Marine Sanctuary in California
NOAA announced the designations of Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary On Oct. 11, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the designations of the 4,543 square mile Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Posted on 16 Oct
Policy recommendations for recreational fishing
Released by the Sportfishing Industry and Community Partners The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the trade association for the sportfishing industry, along with 16 conservation partners released a roadmap for the next Administration and Congress to support the interests of the sportfishing industry. Posted on 15 Oct
What have marine protected areas accomplished?
10-year review by California Department of Fish and Wildlife suggests that hopes were misplaced More fish, more sustainable fisheries, and an ecosystem better protected from threats was the promise of the Marine Life Protection Act and the 124 MPAs now in place in California. Ten years on, what have they accomplished? Posted on 8 Oct
Key Fisheries Bills adcance
Sportfishing industry applauds House Natural Resources Committee The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the trade association representing the sportfishing industry, celebrates the recent advancement of three critical pieces of legislation by the House Natural Resources Committee Posted on 24 Sep
Sportfishing priorities included in FY 2025
House Appropriators introduced and quickly passed out of committee two funding bills Last week, House Appropriators introduced and quickly passed out of committee two funding bills that contain numerous provisions benefiting the sportfishing community. Posted on 2 Jul
Savvy Navvy 2024Maritimo 2023 M600 FOOTER