Florida anglers get 14-day window to catch red snapper this fall after federal approval

Key Points:

• Florida anglers will have a 14-day red snapper fishing season from October 9 to October 22 in both state and federal Atlantic waters, following NOAA Fisheries' approval of a revised permit.
• The season allows private recreational anglers and for-hire operations to keep one red snapper per person per day, with no minimum size limit, but requires proper licenses, permits, and trip declarations via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's app.
• This season follows previous regulatory changes, including a two-day season last year and a blocked proposal for a longer season earlier in 2025, reflecting ongoing adjustments to red snapper management.
• Officials encourage anglers to report catches and fishing-trip data to assist in evaluating the fishery, which will inform potential future seasons, including a possible second season in December 2026.
• Additional rules include a single-hook requirement for hook-and-line fishing, allowance of spearfishing, and restrictions preventing for-hire captains and crew from keeping red snapper, with a 10-fish snapper-grouper aggregate bag limit in place.