Alabama anglers will have expanded access to red snapper fishing this year, with state officials announcing a longer and more flexible season for 2026.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said Alabama state waters and federal waters will open to private anglers and state-licensed charter vessels for red snapper harvest on Friday, May 22.
For the first time, the season will remain open seven days a week through the end of the year or until the state’s quota is reached.
Federal regulators with NOAA Fisheries have set Alabama’s 2026 private angler quota at 664,552 pounds. In 2025, Alabama recorded an estimated harvest of 623,029 pounds over a 196-day season.
ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship said the change reflects the benefits of state management.
“Under state management we have the ability to adapt our red snapper season to meet the needs of anglers that fish in Alabama,” Blankenship said. “For 2026, we are modifying the season to 7 days a week which will give our private anglers and state licensed charter boats more flexibility when planning their fishing trips. We are excited to provide more opportunities to catch red snapper this year and anticipate another successful season.”
The expanded state season applies to anglers fishing from shore, private recreational vessels and state-licensed Alabama commercial party boats without federal for-hire permits.
Separate federal regulations will govern federally permitted for-hire reef fish vessels, with that season opening June 1, 2026, and closing October 26, 2026.
Alabama will continue using its Snapper Check system to monitor landings throughout the season, with weekly updates available through the state’s Outdoor Alabama platform. Officials said a closure date will be announced once the quota is projected to be met.
State officials emphasized that all harvested red snapper must be reported through Snapper Check prior to landing, regardless of where the fish were caught. Anglers age 16 and older are required to have a valid Alabama saltwater fishing license and a Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement, while vessel operators must complete a landing report for each trip.
Additional requirements apply for shoreline anglers and charter operations, with enforcement rules governing possession and transport during closed periods.
Anglers must also follow state regulations, including a daily bag limit of two red snapper per person with a 16-inch minimum size limit.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
