April 28, 2016 — In response to an announcement today that the federal red snapper season for recreational anglers will be nine days long, state officials said that Alabama would set a 66 day state season, from May 27 through July 31.
However, during the longer Alabama season, anglers will only be allowed to fish in state waters, which stretch nine miles from shore, while during the federal season the entire Gulf is open.
Confounding matters further is the federal charter boat season, for boats taking paying customers. That season lasts 46 days, from June 1 through July 17. Charter boats are not allowed to fish during the longer state season.
U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne’s office shared a notice from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announcing the new federal season.
“A nine day Red Snapper season is a disgrace for Alabama’s fishermen. This type of ‘derby-style’ season poses serious challenges and puts the safety of our fishermen at risk,” said Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL). “There are plenty of Red Snapper in the Gulf, but the federal government continues to do a terrible job of counting the number of fish, as well as the number caught each year. The House has passed reform legislation that would give us a real season again, and it is past time for the Senate to act and bring real relief to our fishermen.”