2015 Gulf red snapper season closes after this weekend

Halloween (Oct. 31) and Nov. 1 are the last days the recreational red snapper season for Gulf state waters will be open in 2015.

State waters in the Gulf are from shore to 9 nautical miles. Federal waters extend from where state waters end out to about 200 nautical miles.

This year’s 70-day state-waters season began the Saturday before Memorial Day (May 23) and ran through July 12. The season then reopened for Labor Day weekend and weekends in September and October, including Sunday, Nov. 1.

Red snapper is a popular species that has a strong economic impact for many coastal communities throughout Florida.

Anglers harvesting red snapper from a private boat (excluding Monroe County) need to sign up for the Gulf Reef Fish Survey prior to fishing. Sign up at a local retail store, tackle shop or tax collector’s office; by calling 1-888-FISHFLORIDA(347-4356); or go online at License.MyFWC.com.

For more information on Gulf red snapper, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Gulf Snapper.” Learn more about the Gulf Reef Fish Survey, including how to sign up, by visiting MyFWC.com/Fishing and clicking on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Gulf Reef Fish Survey.”