Private recreational anglers will be able to catch and keep the state’s premier reef fish, red snapper, starting May 23. This year, the season for private anglers will be open seven days a week until June 30 at 11:59 pm. Then, starting July 4, the season will be open for four-day weekends (Fridays-Mondays) until the private angler quota is met. The quota is estimated to be around 664,552 pounds for 2025.
The federal for-hire season starts on Sunday, June 1 and will remain open seven days a week until it closes on Tuesday, September 16.
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.
