NOAA Fisheries has announced a 107-day red snapper season for federally permitted for-hire vessels operating in Gulf federal waters, offering a longer window for charter operators and anglers to target the prized reef fish in 2025.

The season will open at 12:01 a.m. on June 1 and close at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 16, giving charter operators an additional 19 days compared to the 2024 season. The extension reflects updated data showing improved stock conditions and refined projections of catch rates.

The season applies exclusively to vessels with a valid federal for-hire reef fish permit. These operators may harvest red snapper only during the federal for-hire season. Possession or fishing outside of these dates is prohibited, even if the vessel is not operating under a charter. Transferring the federal permit off the vessel does not allow for fishing outside the set window. These restrictions are in effect regardless of any other permits held by the vessel.

The 2025 season was determined based on an overall recreational quota of 7,991,900 pounds whole weight. Of that, 42.3% — or 3,380,574 pounds — is allocated to the for-hire component. The annual catch target, set at 91% of the for-hire quota to prevent overfishing, is 3,076,322 pounds. The season length was calculated using recent data on daily catch rates and average fish weight from 2020 to 2024.

Private recreational anglers should note that red snapper seasons in both state and federal waters will be determined individually by Gulf states. Anglers are encouraged to consult their state agencies for season dates and regulations.

Fishing regulations remain strict for different vessel types:

• Federally permitted for-hire vessels may not fish for or possess red snapper when the federal for-hire season is closed, even for non-charter trips.

• State-licensed for-hire vessels without a federal permit are barred from fishing for red snapper in federal waters and must adhere to state laws in state waters.

• Vessels with a federal commercial reef fish permit may fish recreationally during state-designated private angling seasons if they declare a recreational trip through the vessel monitoring or call-in system. These trips are subject to recreational bag limits, and fish caught may not be sold. However, this exception does not apply if the vessel also holds a federal for-hire permit.

For regulatory reference, see 50 CFR 622.39 and 622.41 at www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-VI/part-622.

More information on red snapper management and state-specific details is available at the following sites:

• Red snapper recreational management in the Gulf: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/sustainable-fisheries/recreational-red-snapper-management-gulf-america.

• State management framework: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/amendment-50a-f-state-management-program-recreational-red-snapper.

• 2025 quotas and catch targets: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/framework-action-fishery-management-plan-reef-fish-resources-gulf-mexico-modification.