The recreational red snapper season will start June 4 in state and federal waters off Florida and remain open through July 28, closing July 29. Local anglers don’t have to go far to find a good fishing spot.

“Escambia County’s network of artificial reefs presents great opportunities for snapper fishing, with over 500 reef units throughout state and federal waters.” says Robert Turpin, Marine Resources Division (MRD) Manager. “The Escambia Southeast reef site is the largest permitted artificial reef site in Florida state waters and includes one of the world’s largest artificial reefs, Three Mile Bridge Rubble #5.” Built using over 100 deployments averaging 750 tons each, the 75,000-ton artificial reef covers more than 10 acres with a vertical relief of up to 30 feet. 

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the popular 2021 Gulf red snapper recreational season is set to open June 4 and run through July 28, with a possible fall reopening if quota is available.

This season will apply to those fishing from private recreational vessels in Gulf state and federal waters, as well as charter vessels that do not have a federal reef fish permit and are limited to fishing in state waters only.