Gulf Coast Changes Red Snapper Season
Vacation Packages
Hunting & Fishing
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On June 14, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced an expanded 39-day recreational red snapper season for private anglers fishing in Gulf federal waters.
The FWC followed with an executive order setting the state waters recreational red snapper season.
The 39-day season in Gulf state and federal waters is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Friday, June 16, through Monday, Sept. 4. Also included are Monday and Tuesday, July 3 and 4, and Monday, Sept. 4.
This is the longest Gulf federal red snapper season since 2013. State waters will also remain open June 15 and beginning Monday, June 19, will close Mondays through Thursdays through Sept. 3, except July 3 and 4 and Sept. 4.
Why is FWC changing the state season?
- Discussions between the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Gulf states led to a consensus to add a substantial number of additional red snapper fishing days in federal waters this summer 2017 by trading some state recreational red snapper fishing days.
- The FWC held a special public meeting June 9 to gain feedback from the public on the potential season change. The majority of input was in favor of trading state days for a longer federal season.
How was this season selected?
- By the U.S. Department of Commerce based on discussions with the Gulf states. Each state had to trade state red snapper fishing days in order to gain days in federal waters.
Will this season apply in 2018?
- This new adjusted season is for 2017 only.
Were there any other changes to red snapper regulations?
- No. All other state and federal regulations including the 16 inch total length size limit and the 2-fish per person daily bag limit remain the same.
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