Whether you fish on your own or with a hired charter, each angler is allowed to harvest two Red Snapper per trip. Along the East Coast, there’s a healthy population in Florida and Georgia; it’s rare to find snapper near the Carolinas.

This year’s quota is 1,913,451 pounds, just slightly higher than the previous years. Once you feel the lead reach the bottom, reel the line up a couple of cranks to get the bait floating just above the ocean’s floor and wait… It won’t take long for a hungry Red Snapper to aggressively strike your bait. In the Gulf of Mexico, Red Snapper season opens June 11 until July 25 for both state and federal waters. 2018 Update for Gulf Red Snapper Anglers: Please see this Update For the 2018 Red Snapper Season issued by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission on 6/1/18 ==> 2018 Red Snapper Season Update A balancing act between conservation and fishing enthusiasts working hard the past several years has resulted in a healthy fishery, allowing for this many days, the longest season in recent history.

Commonly reaching over 10 pounds, these big snappers are great for any angler with a big enough boat to get out to 100 feet of water or so, find some structure, and drop some bait. This year’s quota is 1,913,451 pounds, just slightly higher than the previous years. The FWC selected these dates for the season in hopes that the quota won’t be met, and anglers will be able to enjoy a small season in October. So medium to heavy lines are not required, unless you’re fishing really deep waters. If you’re in waters around 30 feet deep, try chumming the water to get the Red Snappers actively feeding and away from the underwater reef’s protection. You may have to travel a bit farther into the Gulf to get to good Red Snapper fishing, but it’s well worth the wait. To get those fillets, first you gotta go fishing. The nearby reefs offer productive fishing grounds to find your Red Snapper. [2] X Research source That's a pretty wide territory, so you’ll need to do your homework on fishing spots closest to you. A longer trip will be more expensive to help cover the cost of fuel and equipment used – but it’s often worth it to get more time with a rod in your hand. Red snapper grow at a moderate rate, and may reach 40 inches long and 50 pounds. The captain or first mate will also clean and fillet your catch, a definite plus! In the Gulf of Mexico, Red Snapper season opens June 11 until July 25 for both state and federal waters. The American Red snapper is well known for their high quality taste, game, and cultural value.

If your Florida travel dates don’t align with this year’s season, consider staying near Jacksonville, Cocoa Beach, or Fort Lauderdale along the Atlantic Coast for your Red Snapper adventure). There may be an extra season in the fall, but that will depend on if the quota is not met. The unique topography of the gulf means you don’t need to go far to find the fish, especially along the coast of Florida. That’s how many days the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) has approved for the Red Snapper Season for 2020. If you are unfamiliar with fishing for Red Snapper, consider hiring a professional fishing charter. There may be an extra season in the fall, but that will depend on if the quota is not met. The Tampa/Fort Myers area is another popular launch destination. Add some lemon and a few spices, some veggies on the side, and you’re sure to enjoy a delicious meal!

The Gulf is a great place to fish for Red Snapper, and your crew will be smiling ear to ear after a day on the water. All you have to worry about is having enough room in the cooler. The Panhandle (Pensacola, Destin, Orange Beach, and Panama City to name a few) is a great place to start your journey. Most of the time, anglers will use light tackle when fishing for Red Snapper. Red Snapper are reef fish, dwelling in deep waters. If it’s red snapper season you’re bound to catch more than a few using this method.

Red snapper are usually found offshore in the Atlantic Ocean, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico. All rights reserved. The reason anglers enjoy fishing for Red Snapper so much is the experience getting them into the boat, and they taste pretty darn good, too. If you know your travel days, we recommend reserving your trip as soon as you can. The Florida state record is 46 lbs. Red Snapper are, yes red, with a pointed triangular face and large canine teeth (hence the name, “snapper”). It’s recommended to have a gaff or net on board to assist in landing the fish once it’s reeled to the surface. FishAnywhere.com is part of Anywhere Brands, LLC - the world's largest provider of outdoor adventure services. 8 oz., but most anglers will find ones 6 to 8 lbs. They can be found throughout the Gulf in waters 30 to over 600 feet deep. (By the way, the FWC allows for Red Snapper season year round on the east side of the state, in the Atlantic Ocean. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy. This (how deep you’re fishing), more than anything, will determine if heavy tackle is needed. Anglers will fish the Gulf of Mexico, eastern coast of North America, Central America, and northern South America. Many people enjoy grilling their Red Snapper. How-To Catch Articles and Videos, Where's the Bite, Regulations, and more! It’s sometimes best to book your charter at the same time you reserve your lodging accommodations. Travel to the right fishing location. Once the bait is thrown, place your rod in the holder with just a light drag and watch over it. You can rent an entire boat just for your group at about $140 per person for a four-hour trip. Many people enjoy Red Snapper fillets, arguably the most popular white fish of all. While there are more days in this year’s Gulf Red Snapper season, a charter captain’s calendar will fill up fast. 45 Days.

You can also broil, steam, bake, deep-fry, or pan-fry your fillets.

Start by checking the websites of local fishing clubs. at the end of their line. Fishing for Red Snapper is always a good time, especially in the Gulf of Mexico. Bait your hook with live or cut bait such as cigar minnows, squid, menhaden, or pilchards with a lead weight, then drop your bait to the ocean’s floor. This is because Red Snapper don’t typically run the line, they use more of a shaking technique to spit the hook. Florida Sportsman's 50 Favorite Sportfish of Florida: Red Snapper. They can live a long time—red snapper as old as 57 years have been reported in the Gulf of Mexico and as old as 51 years in the South Atlantic. © 2020 AnywhereBrands.