June 1st marks the beginning of red snapper season in the Gulf of Mexico. The 51 day season runs from June 1st until July 22nd and is sure to be fun. Red snapper are not only one of the easiest fish in the Gulf of Mexico to catch, but they are also one of the tastiest to eat. Catching red snapper is definitely a fun way to spend the day, and eating not only something that was swimming this morning but that you caught is one of the best ways to have a meal.
Many of the local captains think that this will be one of the best seasons for red snapper in some time. So far this year, they have experienced that many of the fish are on the move to new spots along the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. One of the benefits of having an extended off season is the fish move and spread out. As they spread, they repopulate many of the fishing spots so its not just little ones that can be caught, but some really big ones as well.
Recent reports from the docks are that the snapper are plentiful, one captain even reported throwing back over 100 from a charter last week. Not just little ones either, some were as large as 12-15 pounds. As someone who has fished quite a bit in Destin’s emerald green waters, I can personally tell you that if you catch a 12 pound snapper you won’t soon forget it, even if it is out of season and you have to release it.
Remember, when you are out on the water to bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen and the minimum size for a keeper red snapper is 16 inches, and the red snapper limit florida is two per person.
You can also learn more about types of snapper here.
