Florida
What is red snapper? What to know about native fish as 2024 fishing season is announced
Red snapper season in the books for Atlantic anglers
2023 red snapper mini-season is done. How did yo do?
Ed Killer, Wochit
Get your prized fishing rods ready. It’s almost red snapper season!
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the record 103-day 2024 Gulf Red Snapper recreational season, breaking last year’s record of 87 days.
“I am proud to announce that this snapper season will be the longest season since our state took over red snapper management in the Gulf,” DeSantis said. “Florida is proud to be the Fishing and Boating Capital of the World.”
What is red snapper?
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, red snapper are “long-lived, early-maturing reef fish that are broadly distributed in the Gulf of Mexico.” They are also found along the eastern coasts of North America, Central America, and northern South America.
NOAA further details that red snapper can grow at a moderate rate, sometimes reaching 40 inches across and 50 pounds. Those in deeper waters tend to be redder than those caught in shallower waters.
When is red snapper season 2024 in Florida?
Those fishing from private recreational vessels or charter vessels will be able to participate in the 2024 Gulf red snapper season.
The 61-day summer season will begin on June 1 and continue through July 31. The 42-day fall season is the longest fall season since the beginning of state management and spans the following weekend dates:
- September 1–2 (Sunday through Monday of Labor Day Weekend)
- September 6–8
- September 13–15
- September 20–22
- September 27–29
- October 4–6
- October 11–13
- October 18–20
- October 25–27
- November 1–3
- November 8–11 (Veterans Day Weekend)
- November 15–17
- November 22–24
- November 28–30 (Thursday through Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend)
How many red snapper can you keep per day in Florida?
State and federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico allow you to keep two Red Snappers, as per the FWC. The same goes for Atlantic Ocean state waters.
However, the limit is one Red Snapper per person in federal waters in the Atlantic.
Do I need a fishing license to catch red snapper?
No unless you plan to go out on your own.
If you plan to fish for red snapper in state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, even if you are exempt from fishing license requirements, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal required) at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Can I keep the red snapper I catch?
Yes, as long as its within the legal size and in accordance with the latest rules and regulations. On the Gulf, the minimum size of your Red Snapper catch has to be 16 inches, while on the Atlantic side of Florida, there’s a 20-inch minimum.
What is the red snapper’s habitat?
Red snapper are generally found at 30 to 620 feet deep in the water. NOAA says larval red snapper swim freely within the water column while juveniles live in shallow waters over sandy or muddy bottom habitat.
As for adult snappers, experts explain they live on the bottom, usually near hard structures on the continental shelf that have moderate to high relief (such as coral reefs, artificial reefs, rocks, ledges, and caves), sloping soft-bottom areas, and limestone deposits.
Where is the best red snapper fishing in Florida?
The Fishing Booker highlights Pensacola as the best place for catching red snapper.
“Florida is one of the best states to catch yourself a couple of these beauties, and Pensacola tops the bill,” the fishing website writes. “The main reason is the large number of artificial reefs that attract all kinds of bottom dwellers. Red Snapper is the most prominent catch on offshore bottom fishing charters, where you can easily hook into a twenty-pounder.”
They also note the waters in the area get deep quickly, so you can get a snapper even in Pensacola Bay.
As for other places around Florida, the website noted these four sites:
- The Florida Panhandle – Specifically from Perdido Key, Pensacola, and Fort Walton Beach to Destin and Panama City
- Tampa
- Volusia County
- Treasure Coast
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Florida
FAMU football wins fourth straight Florida Classic vs Bethune-Cookman in nail-biter | Takeaways
FAMU football defeated Bethune-Cookman 41-38 in the Florida Classic at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. The Rattlers have won four straight Florida Classic over in-state rivals Wildcats.
Florida A&M football still reigns supreme over Bethune-Cookman.
The Rattlers defeated the Wildcats 41-38 before a crowd of 56,453 football fans at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. It was FAMU’s fourth straight year beating its in-state rivals, Bethune-Cookman.
FAMU outgained Bethune-Cookman 487-416. The Rattlers erased a 21-17 halftime deficit to claim the victory.
FAMU running back Thad Franklin Jr. starred for the Rattlers, carrying the football 26 times for 195 yards and three touchdowns. Franklin’s performance earned the Florida Classic’s Most Valuable Player Award.
FAMU football Thad Franklin Jr. runs all over Florida Classic rivals Bethune-Cookman
FAMU heavily relied on its rushing attack.
The Rattlers rushed 47 times for 305 yards.
Behind Franklin’s MVP outing, Kelvin Dean Jr. also was productive on the ground. Dean added 14 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown.
FAMU quarterback Daniel Richardson picked his spots, completing 15 of 21 passes for 182 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. His top target was wide receiver Quan Lee, who had five catches for 81 yards and a touchdown.
FAMU football tested by Bethune-Cookman in Florida Classic
The Rattlers got a run their money with the Wildcats’ rushing attack.
Bethune-Cookman rushed 44 times for 183 yards. Dennis Palmer led the Wildcats with 37 carries for 178 yards.
Despite that, FAMU had bent but don’t break situations.
For example, FAMU held up Bethune-Cookman in a critical drive after the Rattlers threw an interception with 8:10 left. Nay’Ron Jenkins tackled Bethune-Cookman running back Palmer for a loss to turn the ball over on downs on 4th and 1.
The Rattlers had six tackles for loss and an interception which was caught by Jenkins.
FAMU football’s special teams gives up yardage, touchdown vs Florida Classic rivals Bethune-Cookman
The Rattlers’ special teams unit put the team in compromising situations.
Bethune-Cookman gained 123 yards on kickoffs on five returns.
Those returns pushed FAMU’s defense back in some situations.
On punts, the Rattlers gave allowed Wildcats punt returner Maleek Huggins to return a 51-yarder in the first quarter.
Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.
Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.
Florida
In-Game Updates: Ole Miss Football Continues Playoff Quest vs. Florida in Gainesville
The No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels have reinserted themselves into the College Football Playoff conversation, but in order to remain there, they have to win their final two regular season games, beginning on Saturday against the Florida Gators.
The Rebels (8-2, 4-2 SEC) have won three straight games since their overtime loss to LSU in Baton Rouge on Oct. 12, and after a bye week that followed a huge win over the Georgia Bulldogs, Ole Miss appears to be as healthy as it’s been all season entering this game against the Gators.
Running back Logan Diggs (who looked like he might see his first action as a Rebel this week after suffering an ACL injury last season with LSU) will not suit up in this game, but wide receiver Tre Harris is returning, and the Ole Miss defensive line appears to have a clean bill of health, according to the latest injury report from the Southeastern Conference.
According to the current betting odds at FanDuel Sportsbook, Ole Miss is a 12.5-point favorite in Saturday’s game against Florida. Can the Rebels pull off the road win and remain in the CFP hunt? Follow along below for in-game updates from the contest in Gainesville set to kick off at 11 a.m. CT.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
PREGAME
As noted above, Ole Miss is rather healthy entering this contest, outside of the running back position. Wide receiver Izaiah Hartrup and running backs Henry Parrish Jr., Logan Diggs and Rashad Amos are listed as “out” in this contest, but no other Rebel made the latest injury report. That’s a good sign for Lane Kiffin’s team as it enters a hostile road environment.
It was also announced on Thursday night that Ole Miss will be using one of its road uniform combinations for the third time this season: powder blue helmets, white jerseys and white pants. This particular combination with the new white jerseys has only been worn twice all-time (both of which resulted in wins during the 2024 campaign).
You can view the uniform below modeled by cornerback Trey Amos.
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