OUTDOORS

Recreational red snapper season starts June 4 in Gulf waters off Florida

FLORIDA — The recreational red snapper season will start June 4 in Gulf state and federal waters off Florida and remain open through July 28, closing July 29.

For-hire operations that do not have a federal reef fish permit may also participate in the season but are limited to fishing for red snapper in Gulf state waters only.

If you plan to fish for red snapper in any state or federal waters off Florida 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). Sign up at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/SRFS.

State Reef Fish Anglers might receive a questionnaire in the mail regarding their reef fish trips as part of Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey. These surveys were developed specifically to provide more robust recreational data for management of red snapper and other important reef fish, and have allowed FWC the unprecedented opportunity to manage Gulf red snapper in state and federal waters.

Advertisement

Niceville.com Community Partner

If you receive a survey in the mail, please respond whether you fished this season or not.

When catching red snapper and other deep-water fish, look out for symptoms of barotrauma (injuries caused by a change in pressure), such as the stomach coming out of the mouth, bloated belly, distended intestines and bulging eyes.

When releasing fish with barotrauma, use a descending device or venting tool to help them survive and return to depth. Learn more at MyFWC.com/FishHandling.

To learn more about the recreational red snapper season in Gulf state and federal waters, including season size and bag limits, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Snappers,” which is under the “Regulations by Species – Reef Fish” tab.

Looking to keep up to date on Florida’s saltwater fishing regulations? Find them on Fish Rules App. Learn more at FishRulesApp.com or follow Fish Rules at Instagram.com/FishRulesApp or Facebook.com/FishRulesApp.

The Gulf federal season for for-hire operations with federal reef fish permits is June 1 through Aug. 2.

Niceville.com

Share
Published by
Niceville.com

Recent Posts

Palmetto man allegedly hid income, evaded taxes for over a decade

PALMETTO, Fla. — A Florida man has been arrested and charged with evading tax payments…

18 hours ago

SunPass scam texts hit drivers in Okaloosa, Walton counties

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — Law enforcement agencies here and across Florida are warning drivers about…

2 days ago

Eglin AFB announces night flight operations March 10-12

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Residents near Eglin Air Force Base may hear increased…

2 days ago

Okaloosa STEMM Academy students showcase history at NHD event

VALPARAISO, Fla. — The Okaloosa STEMM Academy recently held a National History Day (NHD) Showcase,…

2 days ago

Niceville voters to decide on two charter amendments in March 11 election

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Residents of the City of Niceville will head to the polls on…

2 days ago

Destin man charged with aggravated battery, accused of using knife

DESTIN, Fla. — A Destin man has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly…

2 days ago