2023 Gulf Red Snapper recreational season

PANAMA CITY – Governor Ron DeSantis announced the 2023 Gulf Red Snapper recreational season which will total 70 days, the longest combined season since the state assumed management of Red Snapper. The season includes a 46 day summer season and a 24 day fall season. Those fishing from private recreational vessels in state and federal waters in the Gulf and charter vessels without a federal reef fish permit that are limited to fishing in state waters will be able to participate in the 2023 Gulf Red Snapper season. Governor DeSantis also announced he would be approving $17 million in the Fiscal Year 2023–24 budget to support continued oyster restoration efforts in Apalachicola Bay saying “Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World, and the gulf red snapper season brings anglers from across the country to enjoy our waters. It is a generational tradition for so many who call Florida home. I am happy that 2023 will be by far the longest combined season since the state assumed management of red snapper.” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Acting Director Dr. Thomas Eason says “Gulf red snapper season is one of Florida’s most iconic fishing opportunities, and anglers look forward to it each year, we want to thank Governor DeSantis, the Legislature, and our recreational anglers for their investment in the State Reef Fish Survey that has provided the science to allow these additional days for harvest in Gulf state and federal waters this season.”. This season applies to recreational anglers fishing from private vessels in Florida Gulf state and federal waters. For-hire operations that do not have a federal reef fish permit may also participate in the season but are limited to fishing for red snapper in Florida Gulf state waters only.