Fishermen, there is another chance to fish Red Snapper in the Northwest FL Gulf waters. The Florida Wildlife Commission has just approved a supplemental recreational season from Oct 1-21, 2013 in Gulf State Waters.
There may very well be a supplemental season in Gulf federal waters as well, but that is yet to be determined. Federal fishery managers are still analyzing the recreation harvest from the regular 2013 season. Expectations are that the NOAA Fisheries will make an announcement in the next few weeks regarding a federal season for red snapper in October.
Red Snapper is a temperate reef fish and on the Emerald Coast or Panhandle of Florida, Red Snapper can be found in its deep waters. Fishing trips over the years have brought in this tasty fish and some big tales about the battle to do so.
The Red Snappers habit of battling the line is with strong head shaking tactics rather than long runs. One fisherman’s report was “Even though my drag was tightened down, line was ripped off the reel as the fish below kept boring deep. I finally slowed the fish, and after a good back and forth battle, my visitor flashed its broad red sides in the clear Gulf water.”
The possibility of catching the big one is always there. Red Snappers can live over 50 years and weigh up to 50 lbs.
During the Red Snapper season, fisherman and cooks alike will be watching for the catch of the day on the docks. Fisherman of all ages display catches in all sizes. Sometimes you will see a young fisherman holding up the largest red snapper. The Destin Charter Boat displays during Red Snapper season are always colorful and impressive. As for cooks who seek the fish’s delicate flavor for the best in fish dinners, it spurs them on to visit their favorite sea-food store.
The regular 2013 red snapper season in Florida State waters was a 44-day season (from June 1 through July 14, closing July 15). State waters are from shore to 9 nautical miles in Gulf waters. In Federal waters the season had been a 28-day season (June 1 through June 28 closing June 29). Federal waters extend beyond that line to 200 nautical miles.
The minimum size limit for red snapper is 16’’ and the limit is 2 per person per
day-- within a 10-fish snapper aggregate limit. Recreational and commercial fishers in Gulf waters off Florida are required to use circle hooks and dehooking devices when fishing for reef fish of which red snapper is included. The requirement for venting tools was eliminated as of September 3, 2013. FWC will consider consistency for Gulf state waters at a future Commission meeting.
Whether you are interested in landing Red Snapper by fishing line, or landing it in a perfect culinary event, mark your calendars for the supplemental recreational season from Oct 1-21, 2013. Find your favorite fishing charter boat and make those reservations now. As for planning your recipes for the catch, here are some excellent ones: http://www.myrecipes.com/t/fish/red-snapper/
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