The fall is a great time to book charter fishing at a reduced rate. Now you even have another reason. NOAA Fisheries announced that the Gulf of Mexico federal red snapper season for charter and head boats will reopen on November 18, 2024. The season will close at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2025.

The original 2024 season for federally permitted for-hire vessels lasted 88 days, from June 1 to August 28. However, updated catch data showed that the red snapper recreational for-hire annual catch target was not met.

According to NOAA Fisheries, the annual catch target for red snapper in the federal for-hire sector is 3,076,322 pounds. So far, only 2,193,710 pounds have been caught, leaving about 882,612 pounds unharvested.

To give federally permitted charter fishermen another chance to catch the remaining red snapper, NOAA decided to reopen the season. The reopening is intended to use the remaining allocation while keeping the overall catch within limits to prevent overfishing.

The length of the reopened season was determined by estimating a daily catch rate. In a similar reopening in 2021, the average daily catch rate was approximately 9,300 pounds. This rate means the season is expected to continue until the end of the year.

This reopening does not affect the recreational private angler season, which is set by state agencies. Private anglers are advised to check with their respective state agencies for any changes to their fishing season. Also, commercial red snapper fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is not affected by this reopening, as it is managed under an Individual Fishing Quota system.

Snowbirds visiting the Gulf Coast in December will now have a chance to go red snapper fishing. This extension offers an opportunity for December visitors to enjoy Gulf fishing during their stay.