Red Snapper Season Update – 2026 Dates

Red Snapper season has been announced

Red Snapper Season Updated

Red snapper season dates are officially set across the Emerald Coast, giving anglers plenty of opportunities to fish from Santa Rosa Beach through Destin and over toward Panama City Beach throughout the 2026 season.

This year’s open dates include:

Summer Season

• May 22 – July 31 (daily)

Fall Season

• September 1 – October 4 (daily)

• October 9–11, 16–18, 23–25, 30 – November 1

• November 7–8, 14–15, 21–22

• November 26–29 (Thanksgiving Weekend)

• December 5–6, 12–13, 19–20

• December 25–27 (Christmas Weekend)

• January 1–4

Red snapper season continues to be one of the most anticipated times to fish the Gulf Coast Florida, especially for anglers looking for a mix of strong fights, great table fare, and memorable offshore trips. The long summer stretch combined with extended fall opportunities should create plenty of chances for both visiting families and experienced anglers to get offshore when conditions line up.

We’re already beginning to see more red snapper showing up offshore ahead of the opener, though those remain catch-and-release only until May 22. In the meantime, offshore trips continue producing action with species like vermilion snapper, triggerfish, grouper, and bonita while summer patterns continue settling in.

If you’re planning time along the Emerald Coast this year, red snapper season is shaping up to offer one of the better windows we’ve seen in a while. And for those who serve or have served, we always like to extend a military and first responder discount as a small thank you.

— Captain Steve