NOAA Fisheries has set the 2026 red snapper season for federally permitted for-hire vessels in the Gulf of Mexico at 147 days. The season opens at 12:01 a.m., local time, June 1 and closes at 12:01 a.m., October 26. Private anglers should check with their state agencies, as each Gulf state sets its own season for state and federal waters.

The total recreational red snapper quota is 7,991,900 pounds whole weight. Federal for-hire vessels receive 42.3% of the quota, or 3,380,574 pounds, with an annual catch target of 3,076,322 pounds, 91% of the allocation. Private anglers receive 57.7%, or 4,345,042 pounds. The federal for-hire season length was calculated using recent catch rates and average fish weights. Analysis of data from 2021 through 2025 projects 147 days in 2026, 19 days longer than last year, with NOAA Fisheries reserving the option to reopen the season if the annual catch target is not reached.

Vessels with a Federal Gulf Charter/Headboat Permit for Reef Fish cannot fish for or possess red snapper when the federal for-hire season is closed, even for personal trips, and restrictions apply regardless of other permits held. State-licensed for-hire vessels without a federal permit may not fish in federal waters. Vessels with a Federal Gulf Commercial Reef Fish Permit may fish recreationally during the private angling season if they declare the trip recreational and follow state bag limits with no commercial fish on board.

The combined recreational and commercial red snapper limit in the Gulf is 16.31 million pounds whole weight. For more information on federal and state regulations, quotas and annual catch targets, visit www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/sustainable-fisheries/recreational-red-snapper-management-gulf-america, www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/amendment-50a-f-state-management-program-recreational-red-snapper and www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/framework-action-fishery-management-plan-reef-fish-resources-gulf-mexico-modification.