DeSantis celebrates 103-day gulf red snapper fishing season expansion

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the expansion of the gulf red snapper recreational season, totaling 103 days in 2024.

“I am proud to announce that this snapper season will be the longest season since our state took over red snapper management in the Gulf,” DeSantis said. “Florida is proud to be the Fishing and Boating Capital of the World.”

The governor also shared the news in a video on his “X” account.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto complimented the governor for his work in advocating for fishermen.

“Under Governor DeSantis’ bold leadership, we are maintaining Florida as the Fishing and Boating Capital of the World with another record-breaking Gulf recreational red snapper season,” he said.

“We are proud to continue providing Floridians and visitors the world-class fishing opportunities we are known for,” he added.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young emphasized how anglers from “all over the country” look forward to gulf recreational red snapper season and the “iconic fishing opportunities Florida provides yearly.”

“We want to thank Governor DeSantis, the Legislature, and our recreational anglers for their continued investment in the State Reef Fish Survey, which gives us the data to allow these additional days for snapper fishing in Gulf state and federal waters this season,” he said.

The season will span not only from June 1 to July 31, but also every weekend in the fall from September through November.

The governor’s office explained how the federal government does not allow the red snapper season expansion on the east coast, possibly resulting in only up to two days of red snapper fishing in the Atlantic.