Alabama’s state and federal waters will open to red snapper harvest for private anglers and state-licensed charter vessels on Friday, May 26, the state’s Marine Resources Division has announced.
The season follows a four-day weekend format, running Friday through Monday each week, and will continue until the private angler quota is projected to be met. The schedule applies to shore-based anglers, private recreational vessels and state-licensed commercial party boats that do not hold federal for-hire permits.
Charter Fleet Rules Differ
Anglers fishing aboard federally permitted for-hire vessels face a separate timeline, with season dates to be announced later by NOAA Fisheries.
Snapper Check Remains Required
Alabama will continue using its Snapper Check reporting system to track landings from shore, private vessels and state charters throughout the season. The Marine Resources Division, part of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, will post weekly harvest updates at outdooralabama.com so anglers can follow how quickly the quota is being filled.
The Memorial Day weekend opening is one of the most anticipated dates on the Gulf Coast fishing calendar, drawing boaters to launches from Dauphin Island to Orange Beach as crews target one of the region’s most prized reef fish.