Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) —  The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced changes to the 2026 red snapper season that will allow more consistent access for anglers. The update applies to both Alabama state waters and federal waters for certain fishermen. Officials said the changes are part of ongoing state management efforts. The goal is to provide more flexibility while keeping harvest levels within limits.

The Marine Resources Division said the season will open in one month, on Friday, May 22, 2026, for private anglers and state-licensed charter vessels. The season will run seven days a week. It will remain open until the end of the year or until Alabama’s quota is reached.

NOAA Fisheries set Alabama’s 2026 private angler quota at 664,552 pounds of red snapper. In 2025, the season ran 196 days and yielded an estimated harvest of 623,029 pounds. State officials said the new schedule is expected to increase access while remaining within federal limits.

“Under state management, we have the ability to adapt our red snapper season to meet the needs of anglers that fish in Alabama,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “For 2026, we are modifying the season to 7 days a week, which will give our private anglers and state-licensed charter boats more flexibility when planning their fishing trips.”

Blankenship added that officials expect another strong season. He said the state is “excited to provide more opportunities to catch red snapper this year and anticipates another successful season.” The season applies to shore anglers, private boats, and state-licensed charter vessels without federal permits.

Federally permitted for-hire reef fish vessels will follow a different schedule. Their season will open at 12:01 a.m. on June 1, 2026, and close at 12:01 a.m. on October 26, 2026. These vessels are not required to report through the state’s Snapper Check system.

Alabama will continue using Snapper Check to monitor landings by private and state charter anglers. Weekly updates will be posted online, and officials will announce a closure date when the quota is expected to be reached. Reporting is required before fish are removed from the water.

The daily bag limit remains at two red snapper per person, with a minimum size of 16 inches. Anglers 16 and older must hold a valid Alabama saltwater fishing license and a Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement. Some anglers must also complete a free saltwater angler registration.

Additional rules apply to vessel operators and reporting requirements. All red snapper landings must be reported, including fish caught from shore, piers, or non-powered vessels. Officials said compliance is necessary to keep the season open and to ensure accurate harvest tracking.