The season is open to those fishing from private recreational vessels or state-permitted charter vessels that do not have a federal reef fish permit. State-permitted charter vessels without a federal reef fish permit may only harvest red snapper in Florida Gulf state waters.

The fall season dates are:

• Sept. 1–14
  
• Sept. 19–21
  
• Sept. 26–28
  
• Oct. 3–5
  
• Oct. 10–12
  
• Oct. 17–19
  
• Oct. 24–26
  
• Oct. 31–Nov. 2
  
• Nov. 7–9
  
• Nov. 11 (Veterans Day)
  
• Nov. 14–16
  
• Nov. 21–23
  
• Nov. 27–30 (Thanksgiving weekend)
  
• Dec. 5–7
  
• Dec. 12–14
  
• Dec. 19–21
  
• Dec. 25–28 (Christmas weekend)
  

Florida officials said the extended fall season is made possible through the data-driven management approach of the Florida State Reef Fish Survey and angler participation in the program.

All anglers fishing for red snapper from a private recreational vessel, in state or federal waters, must be registered as a State Reef Fish Angler. The free designation requires annual renewal and is required, even for those exempt from fishing license requirements. Registration is available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com

The post Gulf red snapper private rec fall season opens Sept. 1 appeared first on Englewood Review.

The open season applies to Florida state and inland waters within the Southeast, Indian River Lagoon and Northeast management regions, as well as the Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay management regions.

On the West Coast, the Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, and Sarasota Bay regions will remain open through November 30. On the East Coast, the Southeast, Indian River Lagoon, and Northeast regions will remain open through December 14.

Snook is one of Florida’s most popular inshore game fish. The FWC manages the fishery using a regional approach, evaluating seven key metrics annually to address local concerns and conditions.

Management region details

• Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay: Open March 1–April 30 and Sept. 1–Nov. 30. Closed Dec. 1–Feb. 28 and May 1–Aug. 31. Bag limit: one fish per person per day. Slot limit: 28–33 inches.
• Southeast, Indian River Lagoon, Northeast: Open Feb. 1–May 31 and Sept. 1–Dec. 14. Closed Dec. 15–Jan. 31 and June 1–Aug. 31. Bag limit: one fish per person per day. Slot limit: 28–32 inches.

Each region has defined boundaries, with specific rivers and tributaries either included or excluded from the regulations. Anglers should review the full guidelines before fishing.

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

The post Recreational snook season opens Sept. 1 appeared first on Englewood Review.