[Updated 21 July 2022]
Catching snapper in Florida is great fun because there are just so many of them, and the bag limits are high. Snapper is one of Florida’s best eating fish, and they’re not difficult to catch with just about any light gear (for inshore little’uns).
Anglers all over Florida and many from out-of-state make a trek to the beaches for a little inshore or Deep Sea Fishing to target snapper. Some snapper get HUGE and they become a great fighting fish when larger. Anyway, the Florida Snapper Season is constantly changing, so here’s the updated information for 2020. Applies to private anglers and charter fishing services (in Gulf only).
GULF OF MEXICO RED SNAPPER SEASON
Includes all other Snapper with year-round season: Vermilion, Gray (Mangrove), Schoolmaster, Mutton, Cubera, Lane, Black, Wenchman, Queen, Blackfin, Silk, Yellowtail, Dog, Mahogany.
WE have a summer season for red snapper.
Open June 17 to July 31, 2022. Bag limit = 2 per person. Minimum size 16″.
Red Snapper season will also open in the fall months as usual. Here is that schedule:
Oct. 8-9 (Sat. & Sun)
Oct. 15-16 (Sat. & Sun)
Oct. 22-23 (Sat. & Sun)
Nov. 11-13 (Fri., Sat. & Sun – Veterans Day weekend)
Nov. 25-27 (Fri., Sat. & Sun – Thanksgiving weekend)
Private anglers can catch RED SNAPPER in Florida and Federal waters during these dates. For-hire (charter) fishing boats targeting Red Snapper are permissable only in the Gulf Waters, NOT Florida’s Atlantic side.
However, if in possession of a federal for-hire reef fish permit can fish the Florida Atlantic side in federal waters.
This brings the annual number of Florida fishing days for Red Snapper up 51 days. This is a dramatic increase from just a couple of days allowed in recent years. Eric Sutton, executive director of FWC (Florida Wildlife Commission) stated.
This extra opportunity to catch Red Snapper in the Gulf comes as the result of the STATE REEF FISH SURVEY which is giving the FWC data it needs to make decisions like this. I have to say, we’re ALL FOR IT! Find out how to register for this survey to stay legal in Florida.
NOTICE: There are new laws regarding gear you can use to fish with and catch Snapper and Grouper. See the new laws here regarding hooks and registration for the State Reef Fish Survey HERE.
Florida Saltwater Fishing Guides
Amberjack fish, Black Drum, Blue fish, Cobia fish, Dorado fish (Dolphin, Mahi-mahi), Speckled Trout, Grouper fish, Gulf Flounder, Jack Crevalle fish, Lobster, Permit fish, Pompano fish, Red-bellied Pacu, Redfish, Redfish Index, Shark Fishing, Sheepshead, Snapper, Snook fish, Tarpon fish, Tarpon fish, Tripletail. Don’t miss our new SHARK Fishing Guide.
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