Florida anglers will get eight additional days to pursue red snapper in Gulf waters during the 2026 private recreational season, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced.
The added dates mean the season will be open without interruption from Oct. 9 through Oct. 22. The remaining fall and winter dates—including scheduled weekend and holiday openings—will remain in place.
Other consecutive openings include Sept. 23 through Oct. 4, followed by Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. Later openings include Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas weekend and Jan. 1-4, 2027.
The season applies to private recreational vessels fishing in Florida Gulf state and federal waters. Charter vessels without federal permits may participate only while remaining in state waters. Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as reported by WJHG.
