Red Snapper Regulations

Red snapper fishing remains one of the most popular and regulated recreational fishing activities along America's southern coastlines. Whether you're planning to fish in the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean, understanding the current red snapper season dates and regulations is essential for a successful and legal fishing trip. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about red snapper fishing in 2025.

Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Season and Regulations

The Gulf of Mexico offers some of the best red snapper fishing opportunities in the United States, with a healthy population estimated at approximately 118 million fish. The Gulf red snapper stock is not currently overfished and continues to rebuild successfully, allowing for more generous harvest opportunities compared to the Atlantic.

Federal Waters Regulations

• Season Opens: June 1, 2025
• Daily Bag Limit: 2 red snapper per person
  
• Size Minimum: 16 inches total length
  
• Special Requirements: Use of venting tools or descending devices required when fishing for reef fish
  

Florida Red Snapper Season (Gulf Coast)

• Season: 2025 dates to be announced in spring; typically runs during summer weekends and select fall weekends
• Bag Limit: 2 red snapper per person daily (included in 10-snapper aggregate limit)
  
• Size Minimum: 16 inches total length
  
• Special Requirements: State Reef Fish Angler designation required for private vessels
  

Alabama Red Snapper Regulations

• Season Opens: May 23, 2025, running 7 days a week until June 30, then 4-day weekends (Friday-Monday) starting July 4 until quota is met
• Bag Limit: 2 red snapper per person daily
• Size Minimum: 16 inches total length
  
• Special Requirements: Must report harvest via Snapper Check; Alabama Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement required

Mississippi Red Snapper Season

• Season: May 23-July 6, 2025
• Bag Limit: 2 red snapper per person daily
  
• Size Minimum: 16 inches total length
  
• Special Requirements: Mississippi Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (MS-ROLP) and reporting through Tails n' Scales required
  

Louisiana Red Snapper Season

• Season Opens: May 1, 2025, running 7 days a week until quota is met
• Bag Limit: 4 red snapper per person daily
  
• Size Minimum: 16 inches total length
  
• Special Requirements: Basic and saltwater licenses plus Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) required
  

Texas Red Snapper Fishing Regulations

State Waters (up to 9 nautical miles):

• Season: Open year-round
• Bag Limit: 4 red snapper per person daily
  
• Size Minimum: 15 inches total length
  

• Season Opens: June 1, 2025
• Bag Limit: 2 red snapper per person daily
  
• Size Minimum: 16 inches total length
  
• Special Requirements: Texas fishing license with saltwater endorsement; circle hooks mandatory with natural bait
  

Atlantic Red Snapper Season and Regulations

The Atlantic red snapper fishery faces stricter regulations due to historical overfishing, though recent assessments show promising population growth. Fishing opportunities remain limited compared to the Gulf of Mexico.

Federal Waters (South Atlantic)

• Recreational Season: Extremely limited - typically announced annually by NOAA Fisheries. In 2024, the season lasted just one day (July 12). 2025 dates forthcoming.
• Bag Limit: 1 red snapper per person during open season
  
• Size Minimum: No minimum size in federal waters
  
• Special Requirements: Descending devices must be rigged and ready for use; dehooking tools required; non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks required when fishing with natural bait north of 28°N latitude
  

Florida Atlantic Coast

• Season: Open year-round in state waters
• Bag Limit: 2 red snapper per person daily
  
• Size Minimum: 20 inches total length
  
• Special Note: Red snapper counts toward the 10-snapper aggregate bag limit
  

Georgia Red Snapper Regulations

• Season: Follows federal season (typically 1-2 days per year)
• Bag Limit: 1 red snapper per person during open season
  
• Size Minimum: No minimum size
  
• Special Requirements: Descending devices and dehooking tools required
  

North Carolina Red Snapper Season

• Season: Follows extremely limited federal season
• Bag Limit: 1 red snapper per person during open season
  
• Special Requirements: Same gear requirements as federal waters
  

Gulf vs. Atlantic: Population Comparison

Gulf of Mexico:

• Population estimated at 118 million fish
• Not overfished and not subject to overfishing
  
• Managed under a rebuilding plan with target date of 2032
  
• State-based management with longer recreational seasons
  

• Population showing improvement but still under strict management
• Recently assessed as no longer overfished with overfishing not occurring
  
• Under rebuilding plan with target date of 2044
  
• Extremely limited fishing opportunities (typically 1-2 days annually)
  

Important Reminders for Red Snapper Fishing

• State vs. Federal Waters: State waters extend 9 nautical miles from shore in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, but only 3 nautical miles in Alabama and Mississippi
• Reporting Requirements: Many Gulf states require electronic reporting of red snapper catches
  
• Special Permits: Most states require specific endorsements or permits for red snapper fishing
  
• Season Updates: Always check with state wildlife agencies for the most current regulations before your fishing trip, as quotas can affect season closures
  

Sarah Mendez Especialista de Pesca,
In The Spread