What is red snapper? What to know about native fish as 2024 fishing season is announced

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