June is Red Snapper Month here in Alabama, and the staff and clients of Kris L. Powell and Associates are eager for natives and tourists alike to join us for weeks of fishing fun. Whether you’ve lived in the area for years or just here on a visit, fishing with family and friends is a great way to spend these first days of summer. Today, we’ll cover some basic facts you need to know before you start reeling in the red snapper. We’ll also cover some upcoming fishing events.
When is Red Snapper Season?
Photo Courtesy of our Friends at Little Lagoon Guide Service
If you’ve never fished for red snapper, you need to know your season dates. Red snapper season opened the Saturday before Memorial Day this year and will continue through July. These dates are in place to give fishermen ample time to catch and keep their quarry without disturbing the integrity of the Gulf’s red snapper population. Federal for-hire vessels may fish in the Gulf from June 1-July 14, 2015. Private anglers have a much more limited opportunity, running from June 1-10, 2015. The bag limit for any fisherman in state and federal waters is two per harvester per day, with a minimum of 16 inches in length.
Red Snapper Controversy
As you might expect, these short seasons cause plenty of controversy among fishermen. Shortened seasons and the “sector separation rule” between private anglers and paid charter boats are in place to prevent endangerment of red snapper in the Gulf. The red snapper population collapsed in the 1980s due to overfishing. State and federal legislators are attempting to use shortened recreational seasons to work toward rebuilding economically critical fishing, although many fishermen remain frustrated with the new statutes. If you have questions regarding the current red snapper season or the importance of this fish to Alabama’s economy and environment, you can speak to Kris Powell or our associates. We will point you to local wildlife and environmental experts.
Red Snapper Month Events
Shortened season notwithstanding, fishermen and their families have plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful Gulf waters and the sea creatures within. We invite you to partake in several events including –
The Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo scheduled for June 25-28
The Pensacola Fishing Rodeo scheduled for June 25-28
The Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament on July 11, 2015. Entrants must be 15 years or younger. First, second, and third place are awarded in all categories. One Master Angler award is given. All winners receive Mobile Bay Bears tickets.
Various fishing contests throughout the summer focused on bass and other species.
Please make sure you have an up-to-date fishing license with you at all times. If you don’t have one, you can purchase a license online or speak to one of our fish and game wardens.
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