Alabama’s 2023 Private Angler Red Snapper Fishing Season Closes, Anticipates Quota Reached
The Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has announced the closure of the 2023 private angler red snapper fishing season in Alabama. The season will officially end at 11:59 pm on Monday, September 4. It is anticipated that the quota of 591,185 pounds will be reached by this time.
Weather plays a significant role in determining the duration of the red snapper season in Alabama, with factors such as excessive heat affecting fishing conditions. However, this year the weather has been favorable for offshore fishing, leading to an extended red snapper season that ran from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. This is a vast improvement compared to the shorter seasons the state previously experienced.
The Marine Resources Division expresses its gratitude towards anglers for their cooperation in reporting their red snapper, greater amberjack, and triggerfish catches through the Snapper Check program. This voluntary reporting system is an essential tool for fisheries management and allows for increased access to these fisheries.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the Alabama quota for red snapper is expected to increase. A rule change is currently being reviewed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and is expected to be approved in late 2023.
Alabama has had a successful and plentiful red snapper season this year, thanks to the state’s management efforts. By having the season open during the prime months for offshore fishing, anglers were able to enjoy an extended period of reeling in red snapper. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources remains committed to providing citizens and visitors with access to the exceptional red snapper fishery off the coast of Alabama.
For more information on red snapper landings from the 2021-2023 seasons, visit www.outdooralabama.com/2023-red-snapper-landings-summary.
In conclusion, Alabama’s 2023 private angler red snapper fishing season has come to a close, with the anticipated quota being reached by the end date. With favorable weather conditions and the effectiveness of the Snapper Check program, Alabama has been able to prolong its red snapper season, providing anglers with additional opportunities to partake in this thriving fishery. The state looks forward to an increased quota for the 2024 season, ensuring continued access to the remarkable red snapper fishery off the coast of Alabama.
