red snapper season

The 2021 Red Snapper season in the Atlantic is scheduled to run from 12:01 AM July 9 through 12:01 AM July 12.

You are allowed to harvest one Red Snapper, per person, per day. There is no size restriction.

Several tackle and permit restrictions are currently in place, not just for Red Snapper, but for any reef fish in Florida State or Federal waters:

  • The use of a dehooking device is required.
  • If you are fishing North of 28 degrees North Latitude (approximately Palm Bay, Florida), you must use non-offset, non-stainless circle hooks while using bait for reef fish. If you are fishing South of 28 degrees North, you may use non-offset, non-stainless J hooks or non-offset, non-stainless circle hooks while using bait for reef fish.
  • As of July 1, 2020, anglers fishing for reef fish in the Atlantic who either transit Florida waters or land their boat in Florida waters are required to sign up as a Florida Reef Fish Angler if they are 16 years of age or older (NOTE – those fishermen 65 years of age or older do not need a Florida fishing license but they ARE required to sign up as a Florida Reef Fish Angler). The sign-up is free and must be renewed annually. Call 1-888-347-4356 to sign up.
  • A descending device is required on board all vessels fishing for or possessing snapper and grouper species in federal waters of the South Atlantic. The descending device must be readily available for use and attached to at least 16 ounces of weight and at least 60 feet of line.

This three-day season is going to put every boat that floats onto the waters. The boat ramps and the popular reefs are going to be crowded. Bring your courtesy with you and have fun!