Recreational harvest of red snapper is open in the Gulf of Mexico’s state and federal waters.
In state waters — from shore to 9 nautical miles in the Gulf — the season will remain open through Oct. 21. In federal waters — 9 nautical miles out to 200 nautical miles — the season will remain open through Oct. 14. These supplemental recreational red snapper seasons are just for 2013.
The minimum size limit in state and federal waters is 16 inches; the daily bag limit is two per harvester, per day. There is no daily bag and possession limit for a captain and crewmembers on for-hire vessels.
Anglers must use circle hooks and de-hooking devices when fishing for any reef species, including red snapper, in Gulf of Mexico state and federal waters. The requirement to use venting tools in federal waters was removed Sept. 3.
These rules help conserve fishery resources by increasing fishes’ chances of survival after being caught and released.
Click here and click on “Saltwater” and “Recreational Regulations" for more information on red snapper.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Recreational Gulf red snapper season open