Alabama’s private recreational anglers will be able to catch and keep the state’s premier reef fish, red snapper, starting May 24. The season will be open until the state’s snapper quota is reached and will consist of four-day weekends (Friday through Monday). Private anglers will also have the opportunity to catch red snapper during the entire week of Independence Day, July 1-5.
The 2024 target for red sapper was not met, therefore, the federal Gulf of Mexico snapper season for recreational for-hire vessels reopened on November 18, 2024 and will remain open until January 1, 2025. Book a charter this winter for one more chance to catch this desired species!
The 2024 private recreational season will be similar to last year’s, with snapper fishing allowed from Friday through Monday after opening day until the quota is met. NOAA Fisheries has not yet set the private angler quota. However, DCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship states, "We anticipate having a great red snapper season in 2024. I am excited to get back out and catch some big red snapper with family and friends in Alabama’s Artificial Reef Zones again this summer. We will continue working to ensure our citizens and visitors have access to the abundant red snapper fishery off the coast of Alabama.”
The season dates only apply to anglers fishing from shore, private recreational vessels, and state-licensed Alabama commercial party boats that do not hold federal for-hire fishing permits.
Alabama’s charter boat fleet is not governed by the state management plan and abides by federal regulations. The 2024 red snapper fishing season for vessels with a federal for-hire reef fish permit has not been set yet.
The daily bag limit will remain at two red snappers per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 16 inches in total length.
Anglers 16 years of age and older must have an Alabama saltwater fishing license (resident or non-resident, annual or trip), and any Alabama resident 65 or older or a lifetime saltwater license holder must have a current saltwater angler registration.
All anglers 16 years of age and older who possess gulf reef fish, including red snapper, must have an Alabama Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement. Anglers under the age of 16 are not required to be licensed, possess an Alabama Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement or have saltwater angler registration, but their catch must be included in a landing report.
All vessels fishing for reef fish in federal waters are required to have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use. The use of a venting tool or descending device helps the fish deal with barotrauma or a rapid change in pressure by being reeled to the surface from deeper water. The venting tool releases the pressure in the fish’s swim bladder, allowing it to descend naturally. A descending device lowers the fish back to the reef area and releases the fish at depth.
To learn more about this year's red snapper season, visit Outdoor Alabama.
Grab your rod and head to Alabama's beautiful beaches this year to catch red snapper!