Red Snapper Season Opening Next Month

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division has announced the opening of Alabama state and federal waters to private-vessel anglers for red snapper fishing on May 28. The season will consist of four-day weekends (Friday through Monday) and continue until the private angler quota is projected to be met. As in recent years, ADCNR said, Alabama will use Snapper Check to monitor landings during the season and will provide semiweekly updates on its website. The exact quota has not yet been provided by the National Marine Fisheries service, it added, but it is anticipated to be similar to the 2020 quota of 1,122,662 lb. The division will announce a closure date when the quota is anticipated to be met. The daily bag limit will be two red snapper per person, per day, with a minimum size limit of 16 in. total length. Anglers older than 16 must have an Alabama saltwater fishing license, and any Alabama resident who is 65 or older or a lifetime saltwater license holder must have a current saltwater angler registration. Additionally, those 16 and older who possess gulf reef fish, including red snapper, must have an Alabama Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement.