Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Federal officials have announced a longer red snapper fishing season for charter boats in the Gulf of Mexico. The season will run for 107 days in 2025, up from 88 days in 2024. Charter boat captains welcome the news. Fishing enthusiasts are eager to plan their summer trips.

The season opens on June 1, 2025, and closes on September 16, 2025. This applies to boats with federal for-hire reef fish permits in Gulf waters. The longer season gives anglers more opportunities to catch the popular fish.

Private boat owners will follow different rules. Each Gulf state will set its own fishing season for private anglers. These seasons cover both state and federal waters.

The increase comes after officials reviewed catch rates from 2020 through 2024. NOAA Fisheries determined the for-hire fleet could fish longer while staying within catch limits. The decision aims to balance conservation with recreational fishing opportunities.

The total recreational quota for red snapper is nearly 8 million pounds. Charter boats are allowed to catch 42.3% of this amount. Private anglers get the remaining 57.7%.

Strict rules apply to charter boats with federal permits. They cannot fish for red snapper when the federal season is closed. This rule applies even when captains take their own families fishing.

Commercial fishing vessels have different regulations. They can fish recreationally for red snapper during the private angling season if they declare their trip as recreational.

The Gulf of Mexico's red snapper fishery is carefully managed to prevent overfishing. Annual quotas help ensure the fish population remains healthy for future generations.

Relevant regulations: 50 CFR 622.39(b), 622.28(e), 622.38(a)(2).  These regulations can be viewed at eCFR :: 50 CFR Part 622 -- Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic.