During the April Commission Meeting, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a 78-day recreational Red Snapper season in Florida State Waters that begins each Saturday and Sunday in May 2017. That makes the first day of the recreational season May 6th this year. Beginning May 27th, red snapper can be fished daily through July 9th in State of Florida Waters. The season will also allow fishing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in September and October, including Labor Day.
Remember that the FWC defines Florida State fishing waters as the following:
- In the Gulf of Mexico, from shore to 9 nautical miles
- In the Atlantic, from shore to 3 nautical miles
Other rules anglers should keep in mind that there is a 2 per person each day bag limit with a 10 per harvester per day bag limit (Charter Captains and crew limit is zero). Also, each fish must be a minimum of 16” TL. These limits are in place to ensure a sustainable red snapper population.
The Federal Regulations have also been announced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Waters recreational season will begin June 1st and end June 3rd for recreational fisherman from privately owned boats. This will be the shortest season ever for federal waters. Federally permitted charter operations (For-hire Components) season will allow a total of a 49-day season beginning June 1st and ending July 19th. The short recreational season is being blamed on overfishing which occurred in 2016, which NOAA reports exceeded the limits by 129,906 pounds.
Bring your Family and friends out for a day on the water chasing down a beautiful red snapper for yourself. Book your charter today with Destin Inshore Charter or Destin Offshore Charters by calling (850) 685-9368. Captain Chris Kirby, Shelby and the entire team will make sure that you have a great experience.
