Florida's Gulf red snapper season for private boats is open every day from October 9 through October 25, thanks to eight harvest days FWC added on September 23. From there it runs on weekends and holidays through January 4, 2027.
The rest of the fall schedule is unchanged:
- October 30 to November 1
- November 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22
- November 26-29, Thanksgiving weekend
- December 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20
- December 25-27, Christmas weekend
- January 1-4, 2027
The dates apply to anglers on private boats in Gulf state and federal waters. Charter boats without a federal permit can fish them too, but only in state waters. The limit is two red snapper per person, each at least 16 inches total length.
Fishing it from Sarasota
UF/IFAS says most keeper-size red snapper are in 100 feet of water or more, over reefs, ledges, wrecks and other hard bottom. Our Sarasota offshore guide covers the reefs and wrecks at that depth.
Red snapper are prone to barotrauma when they're reeled up from deep water, so have a descending device ready for the fish you release. FWC's Gulf reef fish gear rules call for one, or a venting tool, along with non-stainless circle hooks with natural bait and a dehooking tool. Anglers 16 and older fishing from a private boat also need FWC's free State Reef Fish Angler designation, renewed every year, even if they're 65 or older and don't need a fishing license.
If you planned to target greater amberjack on the same trip, note that they're closed to recreational harvest in Gulf state and federal waters starting at 12:01 a.m. on October 14. NOAA Fisheries says the federal season won't reopen until September 1, 2027.
Check FWC's current red snapper rules before you go.