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The 2024 Snapper Season is Right Around the Corner!
The 2024 red snapper season in Alabama is rapidly approaching, and it's time to start planning your fishing trips. Beginning on May 24, the season will run until the snapper quota is reached. With four-day weekends during the season, there are plenty of opportunities to hit your favorite spots. Don't forget about the special extended week over Independence Day – July 1-5.
Get Ready at Legendary Marina in Gulf Shores!
Legendary Marina is your go-to spot to prepare for the snapper season. Here’s what we have to offer:
Fuel Discount: During June, receive .20 cents off per gallon of gas or diesel (minimum 30-gallon purchase).
Fishing Supplies: Last-minute fishing supplies and frozen bait (while supplies last).
Refreshments: Cold beverages to keep you hydrated.
Convenience: Onsite ice machines and nice fish cleaning tables.
Red Snapper Season in Alabama
Red snapper is among the most popular and sought-after fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Prized for its firm, white, and flavorful flesh, red snapper can grow up to 40 inches and 50 pounds. It’s also an important part of the Gulf ecosystem, providing food and habitat for many other marine animals.
When is the Red Snapper Season in Alabama?
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) determines the red snapper season based on the annual quota set by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The season opens on the Friday before Memorial Day (May 24) and runs until the quota is met or projected to be met. The season is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with extended four-day weekends for the opening weekend and the Fourth of July. The season covers both state and federal waters, extending up to 200 nautical miles from the coast.
Rules and Regulations for Red Snapper Fishing in Alabama
To fish for red snapper in Alabama, anglers must follow these rules:
License: A valid Alabama saltwater fishing license is required unless exempt by age or disability.
Equipment: Use circle hooks with natural bait, dehooking devices, and venting tools to minimize harm to the fish.
Limits: Daily bag limit is two red snappers per person, with a minimum size limit of 16 inches in total length.
Reporting: Report your red snapper harvests through Snapper Check within 24 hours of landing.
Compliance: Adhere to the season dates and hours, from 12:01 a.m. on the first day to 11:59 p.m. on the last day of each weekend.
Violating these rules can result in fines, penalties, and confiscation of your catch and gear, and may jeopardize the future of the red snapper fishery.
Tips for a Successful Red Snapper Fishing Trip
Preparation: Plan ahead and check the weather, tide, and sea conditions. Red snapper fishing is best in calm, clear water with moderate currents.
Equipment: Use a seaworthy boat with a reliable GPS and fish finder. Ensure you have sturdy rods, reels, lines, and hooks.
Bait and Location: Red snappers are found near artificial reefs, wrecks, rocks, and ledges. Use live or cut bait like cigar minnows, pinfish, squid, mullet, or artificial lures.
Fishing Technique: Drop your bait or lure to the bottom where red snappers feed, usually between 60 and 300 feet. Set the hook firmly when you get a bite and reel in quickly.
Handling Fish: Use a net or gaff to land the fish and avoid touching sharp teeth, spines, and gill plates. Measure and count the fish, releasing any undersized or excess fish promptly.
Fishing for red snapper in Alabama is a rewarding experience that attracts thousands of anglers annually. By following the rules and practicing ethical fishing, you can help ensure the sustainability and success of the red snapper fishery in Alabama. Good luck, and don't forget to stop by Legendary Marina & Yacht Club for all your gas and boating needs.
Happy fishing!
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