Federal Red Snapper Season Opens June 1

AUSTIN- The private recreational angler red snapper season in federal water opens June 1 for a projected 82-days. Red snapper fishing is open year-round in state waters. Bag and size limits will remain unchanged; two fish per person daily with a 16-inch minimum size limit in federal waters, and four fish per person daily with a 15-inch minimum in state waters.

Under a signed April agreement between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), TPWD can establish the opening and closing of the red snapper fishery in federal waters off the Texas coast for private recreational anglers fishing from their vessels in 2018 and 2019.

The federally permitted for-hire sector, which allows recreational anglers to fish from charter boats or head boats, will remain in its current management structure set by the federal government. The federally permitted for-hire sector’s red snapper season will begin June 1, 2018, and last 51 days.

As part of this agreement, also known as an Exempted Fishing Permit, Texas must close the fishery when you reach the state’s allotted poundage. The red snapper season can also be blocked in Texas waters if fishing exceeds the Gulf-wide Total Allowable Catch. TPWD’s Coastal Fisheries Division will be closely monitoring this fishery throughout the season and will close it when appropriate. TPWD will notify the public of any closings through TPWD’s website, social media accounts, and news releases.

Help TPWD to manage this resource by downloading the iSnapper app on your smartphone and reporting your red snapper landings.