Gulf Red Snapper Season Starts This Weekend

CLEARWATER, FL — Tampa Bay area fishing enthusiasts may want to get their tackle ready. The 2016 recreational red snapper season in the Gulf opens Saturday.

The season starts May 7 with only Saturday and Sunday harvests allowed at first. Starting on May 28, the season opens continuously through July 10. After a short break, it reopens on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only in September and October. Red snapper may also be bagged on Labor Day.

“This would provide for a 78-day season in Gulf state waters,” the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission explained in an email announcing the season’s start. “This season will help maintain fishing opportunities for recreational anglers in state waters and provide additional May and fall weekend fishing days.”

A private recreational angler red snapper season also kicks off in federal waters in the Gulf June 1-9. A federally-permitted charter boat and headboat season for federal waters is set for June 1-July 16, FWC noted.

During the state’s season, there is a two snapper per person limit, according to FWC. The minimum size limit is 16 inches. Those age 16 and older must have a valid saltwater fishing license to cast lines. The cost for a license is $17 a year for Florida residents.

To find out more about recreational saltwater fishing in Florida, visit the FWC online. More information about red snapper regulations is also available on the FWC website.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Flickr account