2024 Gulf Red Snapper Recreational Season Now Open Until End of July

It’s that time of the year again! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced that the 2024 Gulf Red Snapper Recreational Season is in full swing. Anglers can legally catch red snapper from June 1st to July 31st, whether from a private recreational vessel or a charter vessel.

Know the Regulations to Avoid Fines

If you’re planning on fishing for red snapper in state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, it is important to be aware of the regulations to avoid facing hefty fines. Even if you’re exempt from fishing license requirements, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal required) at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

For more information on recreational snapper regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine.

Recreational Harvest of Snook Closed Until September or October

While the recreational season for red snapper is open, it’s important for anglers to know that the recreational harvest of snook is currently closed in various regions across Florida.

The closure includes all state and inland waters, as well as adjacent federal waters within each management region. The affected regions include the Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and Southwest Management Regions.

The good news is that the recreational harvest of snook will reopen on September 1st in the Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, and Sarasota Bay regions. It will reopen on October 1st in the Charlotte Harbor and Southwest regions.

Boundaries

If you plan on harvesting snook in the affected regions, make sure to understand the boundaries. The Northern coastal boundary is at 27°04. 727′ north latitude, near the Venice Municipal Airport. The region extends south to 26°15. 227′ north latitude, near Vanderbilt Beach Road in Collier County. It includes all inland waters of the region colored yellow on the map, including all waters of the Caloosahatchee, Myakka, and Peace Rivers and their tributaries. However, it does not include Lake Okeechobee.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Holistic Management Approach

The recreational harvest regulations for snook are part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) holistic management approach for Florida’s most popular inshore fisheries. Through this approach, the FWC uses seven metrics to evaluate the fishery by region, adding a holistic perspective to management decisions and allowing the FWC to be more responsive to regional concerns.

For more information on recreational snook regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Snook.

The Bottom Line

If you’re an angler planning on harvesting red snapper or snook this season, be sure to know the regulations and boundaries to avoid any fines. Remember that conservation is key to protecting Florida’s beautiful marine life and preserving it for future generations to enjoy.

Originally Post From https://www.captivasanibel.com/2024/07/09/red-snapper-season-open-snook-season-closed/

Red Snapper Season Open, Snook Season Closed on Sanibel-Captiva Island