Anglers across the Sunshine State are gearing up as Florida’s highly anticipated 2025 private recreational Gulf red snapper season is set to open tomorrow, Saturday, May 24, coinciding with the start of the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued a reminder today, outlining the season dates and crucial regulations for eager fishing enthusiasts.
This popular season, a significant draw for recreational fishing in the Gulf, will allow anglers on private vessels and charter boats without a federal reef fish permit to target the prized species.
However, officials clarified that charter vessels operating without the federal permit will be restricted to harvesting red snapper exclusively within Florida Gulf state waters.
READ: Florida Anglers Reel In Record-Breaking Red Snapper Season For 2025
A separate season applies to charter vessels holding a federal Gulf reef fish permit. That season is determined annually by NOAA Fisheries and is slated to run from June 1 through September 15. These federally permitted charters can only fish for red snapper when the recreational federal for-hire season is active.
The FWC announced an extensive list of open dates for the private recreational sector, providing numerous opportunities throughout the summer, fall, and into the winter:
- May 24-26 (Memorial Day weekend)
- June 1 – July 31
- September 1-14
- September 19-21
- September 26-28
- October 3-5
- October 10-12
- October 17-19
- October 24-26
- October 31 – November 2
- November 7-9, 11 (Veterans Day observance)
- November 14-16
- November 21-23
- November 27-30 (Thanksgiving weekend)
- December 5-7
- December 12-14
- December 19-21
- December 25-28 (Christmas weekend)
According to the FWC, the ability to offer such an extended season is a direct result of robust data collection efforts, achieved in partnership with anglers through Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey.
READ: NOAA’s Warning To Florida: Above-Average Hurricane Season Looms For 2025
A critical requirement for all anglers participating from private recreational vessels—whether in state or federal waters—is to be registered as a State Reef Fish Angler. This registration must be renewed annually and applies even to those who may be exempt from standard fishing license requirements. Anglers can complete their registration online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
The FWC urges all fishers to familiarize themselves with the current regulations, including bag and size limits, before heading out on the water to ensure a compliant and successful fishing experience.
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