The time is here that Florida gulf coast residents and vacationers have been waiting for, Gulf Red Snapper season! This season has been the talk of the area for the past few months and is awaited by many. Local charter captains were scheduling and booking in advance and recreational divers said the reef fish were abundant.
The season started for both state and federal waters on June 1st. The state water harvest will be open for 44 days through July 14th where the federal water harvest will only be open for 26 days through June 26th. The Red Snapper must be a minimum of 16 inches in total length and only 2 snapper may be kept per person per day.
As the season is now mid-stream, anglers are showcasing their prize catches everywhere. The world record for the Red Snapper is 50 lbs. 4 oz. and was caught in Belle Pass Marina, Louisiana.
For more information on fishing, boating, and licenses and permits for our Florida waters, please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
