Skip to main content

Gulf State Recreational Red Snapper Season Opening Memorial Day weekend



The recreational red snapper season for Gulf state waters opens to harvest Memorial Day weekend. Red snapper is a popular species that has a strong economic impact for many coastal communities throughout Florida.

The 2015 season will start the Saturday before Memorial Day (May 23) and run through July 12, closing July 13. This season will resume for all of Labor Day weekend (Sept. 5-7) and finish with Saturdays and Sundays throughout the rest of September and all of October, with the last day of harvest being Sunday, Nov. 1. State waters in the Gulf are from shore to 9 nautical miles. This results in a 70-day recreational red snapper season in Gulf state waters.

In Gulf federal waters this year, anglers fishing from private boats and anglers fishing from federally permitted for-hire vessels will have different season lengths. Federal waters will open June 1 for both groups and will remain open through June 10, closing June 11, for anglers fishing from private boats. For federally permitted for-hire vessels, the season will remain open through July 14, closing July 15. Federal waters in the Gulf start at 9 nautical miles and extend out to about 200 nautical miles.

Anglers targeting red snapper in Gulf waters off Florida (excluding Monroe County) from a private boat need to sign up for the Gulf Reef Fish Survey prior to fishing. Sign up at a local retail store, tackle shop or tax collector's office; by calling 1-888-FISHFLORIDA (347-4567); or online at License.MyFWC.com.

For information on Gulf red snapper, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Gulf Snapper.” Learn more about the Gulf Reef Fish Survey, including how to sign up, by visiting MyFWC.com/Fishing and clicking on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Gulf Reef Fish Survey.”

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. Repai...
Videos

The Most Underrated Fishing Kayak Build: Hobie Mirage Revolution 13

The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. Repai...
Gear

How to Transport Kayaks, the Easy Way: Yakima EasyRider Trailer Review

The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. Repai...
Gear

Are Inflatable Kayaks Any Good? NRS Pike Walkthrough and Features

The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. Repai...
Gear

Slayer Propel Max 12.5 Walkthrough: Innovative Design at its Finest

The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. Repai...
Gear

Jackson Coosa FD Walkthrough: Feature Rich, Big-Boy Approved Pedal Kayak

The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. Repai...
Gear

Best Lightweight Kayak On The Market? Hobie Lynx Review & Features

The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. Repai...
Gear

11 New Kayak Accessories for the Ultimate Kayak Fishing Rig

The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. Repai...
Gear

How to Repair Damaged Gelcoat the Right Way

Florida Sportsman Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

Preview This Month's Issue

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the Florida Sportsman App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Florida Sportsman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now