Extended Red Snapper Season Gulfport: Keep Catching with Scotty J Charters

The extended red snapper season Gulfport delivers prime offshore action well beyond the private recreational summer window. In 2026, Florida’s private recreational Gulf red snapper season ran daily from May 22 through July 31, with additional fall and winter dates starting September 1. Federally permitted for-hire vessels, however, follow a separate longer season that stays open continuously from June 1 through late October (closing October 26).

Red snapper remain one of the Gulf’s most sought-after reef fish—strong fighters with excellent table fare. They school around structure, wrecks, and artificial reefs, typically 40-60 miles offshore depending on the trip length. On a Scotty J trip you can expect to combine red snapper with red and gag grouper, mangrove and yellowtail snapper, and other bottom species when conditions allow.
Because Scotty J Charters holds the federal reef-fish permit, the boat can operate under the NOAA for-hire season rules. This gives clients a longer, more flexible window than private recreational anglers enjoy in state and federal waters during the closed private periods (including August). Bag limit remains 2 red snapper per person (16-inch minimum total length); captain and crew bag is zero on for-hire vessels. Always confirm the latest regulations with the captain before your trip, as rules can be updated.