Excitement is in the air as Florida’s Red Snapper season for 2024 kicks off! Renowned for its delectable taste and thrilling catch, Red Snapper fishing is a highlight of the year. This guide will help you get acquainted with the species and plan the perfect fishing charter.
Plan Ahead with YACHTFISH Charters
Make sure to book early with YACHTFISH this summer to secure your spot, as slots are limited and highly sought after!
When is Florida’s Red Snapper Season in 2024?
Here’s a run-down of when to fish in both federal and state waters to make sure you fill up on fine-dining filets this summer:
Florida Red Snapper Season 2024: June 1-July 31.
Additionally, the fall season will reopen for three-day weekends (Friday to Sunday) from September 1 to November 30. And, harvesting will be permitted on Labor Day (September 2), Veterans Day (November 11), and Thanksgiving Day (November 28).
Federal Red Snapper Season 2024: June 1- August 28.
The additional fall dates above are included. Yachtfish Fishing Charters are federally permitted.
Red Snapper Fishing Regulations for St. Pete Beach 2024
At YACHTFISH Charters, we pride ourselves on knowing all the ins and outs of Red Snapper fishing regulations to ensure your trip is both successful and compliant. Here’s what you need to know for the 2024 season in St. Pete Beach:
- Dec-May: Forbidden
- June-Aug: Excellent
- Sep-Nov: Excellent (see dates above)
Tips and Limits for Catching Red Snapper in Florida 2024
- Season: Only during open season.
- Limits: 2 Red Snappers per person, per day.
- Size: Must be at least 20” to keep.
- Habitat: Found in waters as deep as 600ft and as shallow as 50ft during peak season.
- Gear: Use heavy rods with 50-80 lb test lines for deeper waters.
- Bait: Red Snappers prefer cut fish or squid. Jigs work well if kept slow-moving.
Why is Red Snapper Fishing So Popular?
Delicious and Thrilling
Known for their striking red color and impressive size, Red Snappers are a favorite among anglers for their delicious, sweet, and mildly nutty flavor. Many of our YACHTFISH customers love taking their catch to local restaurants for a fresh, tasty meal. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a dish made from a fish you caught yourself!
Accessible for All Skill Levels
Red Snappers are found in groups during the warm season, making them easy to catch. This accessibility allows anglers of all skill levels to enjoy the thrill of the catch. Even if you miss your first bite, there are usually plenty more opportunities, as Red Snappers are known for being abundant and hungry.
An Action-Packed Day on the Water
Perhaps the best thing about Red Snapper is that it’s not the end of the world if you lose your first bite. It’s not like you’re trolling for hours, waiting for that one Sailfish that leaves you empty-handed when it escapes. Red Snappers are always hungry! Plus, when you find one, you usually find a bunch of them.
Best Spots to Catch Red Snapper in Florida in 2024
You can find Red Snapper in the Gulf of Mexico during the open season. Our top recommendation is:
St. Pete Beach
Voted one of the best beaches in the U.S., St. Pete Beach offers prime Red Snapper fishing spots. On a YACHTFISH deep-sea fishing charter, you’re likely to encounter trophy-sized Red Snappers. For anglers not wanting to venture too far from shore, we suggest shorter trips staying inshore, where you can catch smaller Red Snappers around rigs and wrecks.
Fun Facts About Red Snapper
- Can grow up to 40 inches and 50 lbs.
- Can live up to 50 years.
- Begin reproducing as early as 1 year old, from May to October.
- Fertilized eggs hatch within a day.
- There are over 1 million recipes online!
- They are territorial and are found in reliable hotspots.
- Ideal water temperature: 50-70 degrees, making Florida perfect for Red Snapper.
- Considered trophy fish in sports fishing.
What to Expect on a YACHTFISH Red Snapper Charter
YACHTFISH offers unique Red Snapper fishing charters, exclusively for small private groups. You’ll have your own Captain and mate, ensuring quality time without the crowd. Our deep-sea trips last 6 to 8 hours, allowing ample time to relax, enjoy the sun, and aim for a big catch!
Our boats are equipped with powerful motors, wave-cutting designs, and advanced technology to locate fish.
Customer Testimonials
“Amazing fishing!”
“What a great trip this was. I have been on a lot of charters all over the country and out of the country and Sam and Patrick are two of the best Captains I’ve ever had. I will definitely be coming back to fish with these guys in the future. If you want to catch fish and not just go fishing, call up YachtFish and they will take care of you.”
– Josh
“For the whole family!!”
“Capt Garrett and first mate Jake showed my husband, 14-year-old son and me an awesome day fishing the bay today! They went above and beyond to take us to several fishing spots and teach us how to land a bunch of fish! We caught red grouper, Snook, Spanish Mackerel, Crevalle Jack, Snapper, others I can’t remember and even a Bonnet Shark! Garrett and Jake were nice enough to stop along the way and let us watch the dolphins playing next to the boat! They are experienced, knowledgeable, courteous, friendly and overall super nice guys! I booked through Capt. Matt and he was very responsive – the process was seamless! Thank you guys for making the trip amazing! I will definitely be recommending you to friends and family!.”
– Tamra
Book Your Red Snapper Fishing Charter Now!
CALL or TEXT YACHTFISH CHARTERS at (727) 433-4200 today to book your Red Snapper fishing charter in St. Pete Beach. Our expert Captains make the difference between an average trip and the ultimate fishing experience of your lifetime! Book now as spots fill up quickly. Don’t miss out on the peak Red Snapper season—plan your unforgettable fishing adventure with YACHTFISH today!
