Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a historic 126-day recreational Gulf Red Snapper season for 2025, marking the longest season since Florida assumed state management of the prized fish.
The extended season provides anglers with unprecedented opportunities to fish, encompassing major holidays and offering a substantial increase in fishing days compared to previous years.
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“Florida is the fishing capital of the world—with 4 million licensed anglers and generations of families who enjoy our waters,” stated Governor DeSantis. “After setting a record last year, we’re doing it again with the longest Gulf Red Snapper season in state history, giving Floridians and visitors even more time to fish on Florida’s waterways. Smart state management of Gulf waters has allowed us to offer these record-breaking opportunities to Floridians year after year.”
The 2025 season, a boon for recreational anglers and charter boat operators alike, features both summer and fall fishing periods. The summer season kicks off over Memorial Day weekend, running from May 24-26, and resumes from June 1 to July 31. The fall season, significantly expanded, includes numerous weekends and holiday periods, offering ample opportunities for fishing enthusiasts.
The fall fishing dates are as follows:
- September 1-14
- September 19-21
- September 26-28
- October 3-5
- October 10-12
- October 17-19
- October 24-26
- October 31-November 2
- November 7-9, 11 (Veterans Day)
- November 14-16
- November 21-23
- November 27-30 (Thanksgiving weekend)
- December 5-7
- December 12-14
- December 19-21
- December 25-28 (Christmas weekend)
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Chairman Rodney Barreto praised the announcement, saying, “We want to thank Governor DeSantis for once again demonstrating Florida’s commitment to being the Fishing and Boating Capital of the world. With more weekend and holiday opportunities, families will have more chances than ever to enjoy Florida’s unparalleled fishing opportunities and create long-lasting memories.”
FWC Executive Director Roger Young attributed the extended season to the success of the State Reef Fish Survey (SRFS), emphasizing, “This record-long season results from the strong data collected through the State Reef Fish Survey, which Governor DeSantis, the Florida Legislature, and our recreational anglers have consistently supported.”
The SRFS’s data-driven management approach has allowed for precise monitoring and sustainable fishing practices, enabling the state to offer such an extensive season. In the event of weather-related closures, the FWC will consider adding additional fishing days later in the year.
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