FORT MORGAN, Ala. — It's finally here. The long awaited red snapper season has been officially announced for Alabama state waters and Federal waters for recreational fishermen. State waters, which goes out nine miles (for red snapper only,) started May 26 and ends July 31.

Federal waters (past nine miles for Alabama) has only three days, starting June 1. This is the shortest red snapper season in years, and is causing quite an uproar among local fisherman. However, offshore charters boats are allowed about 46 days with their reef permits. The supposed reason for the short Federal season is that a poundage quota is set by the feds, and since such small limits have been allowed for several years, the snapper are larger, thus filling the quota faster. The limit is still just two per person per day with a minimum size of 16 inches total length. Be aware that Dauphin Island Marine Resource Enforcement boats have a "filet sniffing dog" on board that can actually smell snapper filets hidden on you boat.

Catch a Snapper

There are several ways to rig tackle for catching snapper. A knocker rigs is putting a lead egg sinker directly on top of your circle hook. Note: Circle hooks are required along with a dehooker and vent tool. Another method is to use a bank sinker on the bottom of your leader, come up about a foot, tie a loop in the line, add a hook, come up another foot, add a loop and another hook. This keeps the line and bait from twirling around if your sinker us positioned farther up the line.

A variety of bait can be used. Snapper are not picky eaters. Use live croaker, pogies, pinfish, or frozen Spanish sardines or cigar minnows, or frozen squid. Jigs also work however you are required to use circle hooks.

Where to Catch

Where to fish in state waters? Marine resources has a free sheet of latitude/longitude waypoints, many within the nine mile limit that are public numbers. Also, fish hold around the abundance of gas rigs within state waters.

For more info contact Capt. Phil

251-223-3682

www.Islandwestcharters.com

For more details visit: sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.../gulf_red_snapper_rec_