Red Snapper Season Opens Saturday

Tampa Bay area residents with a taste for red snapper will be able to snag their own catches starting this Saturday.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced that recreational red snapper season for Gulf waters opens in time for Labor Day weekend. Anglers will be able to start reeling them in on Saturday and may continue to do so through Sept. 7.

After Labor Day, the season will remain open only on Saturdays and Sundays in September and October with the final day of the season set for Sunday, Nov. 1.

Fishing enthusiasts will need to keep a few rules in mind. A valid Florida saltwater fishing license is required and there is a 2 per day bag limit per harvester. Special gear is also required, including circle hooks and dehooking devices.

Anglers who plan to cast their lines via private boats must sign up for the Gulf Reef Fish Survey before fishing, as well. This requirement does not apply to Monroe County. To sign up, visit a local retail store, tackle shop or tax collector’s office. Anglers may also sign up by calling 1-888-FISHFLORIDA or by visiting FWC’s licensing page.

For more information about reeling in Florida red snappers, visit FWC online.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission/Amanda Nalley