Changes are coming to Alabama’s Red Snapper season in 2025
The most significant change announced by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources last week is that, from May 23 to June 30 at 11:59 a.m., the season will be open seven days a week, rather than the traditional four-day weekend. After June 30 and starting the weekend of July 4, the season will resume with four-day weekends until the quota is reached.
The four-day weekend season has been in place since 2017. Still, meetings between the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Marine Resources Division and fishermen around the state over the past year led to the change in the season.
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship believes that the change will give anglers more time to fish for snapper during the peak of the season, thereby enhancing their overall fishing experience.
“Under state management, we can adapt our red snapper season to meet the needs of anglers who fish in Alabama,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “For 2025, we are opening the season for the entire month of June to give our private anglers and state-licensed charter boats better opportunities during the season’s peak. We anticipate a great red snapper season this year, which will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch red snapper through early summer and hopefully into the fall.
Even with the changes, many aspects remain the same, offering a sense of continuity and familiarity. The timing of the four-day weekends remains unchanged, lasting from 12:01 a.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. on Monday. The bag limit is still two red snappers per day, with a minimum size limit of 16 inches in total length. And while you need a fishing license to fish in Alabama, those looking to fish for red snapper need to ensure they have the Gulf Reef fish endorsement on their license, as before.
Alabama’s DCNR Marine Resources Division will announce a season closure date closer to the expected date when the 2025 quota closes. The DCNR requires those who catch a red snapper from a non-powered boat, pier, or shoreline to report their catch on their site, emphasizing the crucial role each angler plays in conserving this species.
Click here to secure your Red Snapper trip for the 2025 fishing season.
