FLORIDA — The fall red snapper season for private recreational anglers and state for-hire operations in the Gulf of Mexico will be open on select weekends from September 1 through November 30, 2024.
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This season allows private recreational anglers to harvest red snapper in both Gulf state and federal waters on weekends. However, state for-hire operations are restricted to fishing in Gulf state waters only.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will monitor the harvest against Florida’s available quota to effectively manage red snapper stocks.
The fall red snapper season in the Gulf of Mexico will be open on the following weekends:
Sept. 1–2 (Sunday through Monday of Labor Day Weekend)
Sept. 6–8
Sept. 13–15
Sept. 20–22
Sept. 27–29
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Oct. 4–6
Oct. 11–13
Oct. 18–20
Oct. 25–27
Nov. 1–3
Nov. 8–11 (Veterans Day Weekend)
Nov. 15–17
Nov. 22–24
Nov. 28–30 (Thursday through Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend)
Anglers planning to participate in the fall season must register annually as a State Reef Fish Angler to target red snapper and other reef fish, even if exempt from fishing license requirements. Registration is free and can be completed online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or at any location where fishing licenses are sold.
Participants may also receive a survey in the mail as part of the State Reef Fish Survey, which plays a crucial role in extending fishing days and managing resources sustainably.
To learn more about the recreational red snapper season, including season size and bag limits, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and explore the “Saltwater Fishing” section under “Recreational Regulations.”
