Anglers in Alabama will have increased access to American red snapper as the state opens its red snapper season for private recreational anglers and state-licensed charter boats seven days a week beginning May 22, according to a May 15 announcement from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The expanded schedule is intended to provide more flexibility for fishing trips, allowing anglers to take advantage of favorable weather and sea conditions. The season will remain open until the NOAA Fisheries allocation of 664,552 pounds is projected to be met or until December 31, whichever comes first.
Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), said, “Under state management we have the ability to adapt our red snapper season to meet the needs of anglers who fish in Alabama. With the season open 7 days a week, it will give our private anglers and state licensed charter boats more flexibility when planning their fishing trips so they can fish when the weather and sea conditions are favorable. We are excited to provide more opportunities to catch red snapper this year and anticipate another successful season.”
Charter boats with federal permits follow separate guidelines set by NOAA Fisheries; their season runs from June 1 through October 26. Kevin Anson, Director of ADCNR’s Marine Resources Division (MRD), reported that private recreational anglers and state-licensed charter boats harvested an estimated 623,029 pounds in 2025—about 40,000 pounds below allocation. He explained that harvests are monitored through Snapper Check reporting requirements.
This year marks a change in survey methodology: The University of South Alabama (USA) is conducting phone surveys with selected anglers as part of data collection efforts. Anson noted that last year’s extension allowed for greater opportunity without altering size or bag limits: “That was good in respect that we tried to give anglers as much opportunity without changing the size limit or bag limit by opening up to seven days a week so we could try to reach our quota,” he said.
Since shifting from federal management—which once limited seasons as short as three days—to temporary state management in 2018 (made permanent in 2020), MRD has provided improved access for local fishermen. Anson observed that longer seasons under state oversight have lessened what he called “the derby mentality” among participants.
Anson also addressed concerns about smaller average fish sizes resulting from broader access: “The management path that has been chosen is one to give access to the fish with not as much regard to the size of fish harvested,” he said.
A federal stock assessment expected at year’s end may prompt changes for future seasons depending on its findings. In addition, research conducted independently by Dr. Sean Powers at USA suggests there may be an increase in overall abundance despite smaller individual sizes compared with previous years.
Regulations remain unchanged: Anglers can keep two red snapper per person per day with a minimum length requirement of sixteen inches total length. Licenses and endorsements are required for most participants over age sixteen; details are available online at www.outdooralabama.com/saltwater-fishing/saltwater-angler-registration.
NOAA Fisheries recently certified MRD’s AL Creel recreational fishing survey after extensive review—a development welcomed by agency officials seeking more accurate catch estimates specific to Alabama waters moving forward.
