Perdido Key, Fla. — (OBA) —   Florida wildlife managers have added eight more days to the 2026 Gulf private recreational red snapper season. The change gives anglers a longer stretch of continuous fishing time this fall. Private vessel anglers can fish without interruption during the newly extended window. The rest of the season continues as previously announced, with scheduled weekends and holidays still included throughout the year.

The expanded stretch runs continuously from Oct. 9 through Oct. 22, 2026. The additional days were added to better align recreational fishing schedules across Florida's Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Scheduled weekends and holidays remain on the calendar for the rest of the season.

The full updated schedule for the remaining 2026 season is as follows:

• Sept. 23 – Oct. 4 (Consecutive)
• Oct. 9–22 (Consecutive)
• Oct. 23–25
• Oct. 30 – Nov. 1
• Nov. 7–8, 14–15, 21–22
• Nov. 26–29 (Thanksgiving weekend)
• Dec. 5–6, 12–13, 19–20
• Dec. 25–27 (Christmas weekend)
• Jan. 1–4, 2027

The Gulf private recreational red snapper season applies to anglers fishing from private vessels in Florida Gulf state and federal waters. Charter-for-hire vessels without a federal permit may also fish during the season. However, those vessels are limited to Florida Gulf State waters and may not venture into federal waters.

Anglers seeking more details on red snapper regulations and the full 2026 season schedule can visit MyFWC.com/Marine. From there, users should click "Recreational Regulations," then "Reef Fish," and finally "Snapper" for the latest information.