TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida anglers will have more chances to reel in Gulf red snapper during the 2026 private recreational season, with eight additional harvest days added in October.
The added days will keep harvest open continuously from Oct. 9 through Oct. 22. The additional days are intended to align recreational red snapper fishing opportunities across Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
The rest of the season remains as previously announced, with scheduled weekends and holidays throughout the year. The updated schedule for the remaining 2026 season is:
Sept. 23 – Oct. 4 (consecutive)
Oct. 9–22 (consecutive)
Oct. 23–25
Oct. 30 – Nov. 1
Nov. 7–8, 14–15, 21–22
Nov. 26–29 (Thanksgiving weekend)
Dec. 5–6, 12–13, 19–20
Dec. 25–27 (Christmas weekend)
Jan. 1–4, 2027
The Gulf private recreational red snapper season applies to recreational anglers fishing from private vessels in Florida Gulf state and federal waters.
It also applies to charter for-hire vessels that do not have a federal permit, though those vessels are limited to fishing in Florida Gulf state waters only.
More information on Gulf red snapper regulations and the 2026 season is available at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking “Recreational Regulations,” “Reef Fish” and “Snapper.”