Red Snapper Rebound in the Gulf!

Great news, ChumCity anglers! The University of South Alabama's annual fish survey is reporting a booming red snapper population in the Gulf, setting the stage for an awesome 2025 season!

Snapper Numbers Soaring

Researchers from the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences just wrapped up their report to the Alabama Marine Resources Division. They've been keeping tabs on the fish populations around Alabama's 10,000+ artificial reefs. While the average size of red snapper might be a tad smaller, the overall numbers are the highest they've seen in years!

Underwater ROV Reveals All

How do they know? They're using a high-tech remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with a camera to capture footage of the fish swimming around. This helps them estimate the population with serious accuracy. In fact, 2024 saw the highest red snapper counts since the survey kicked off in 2011!

A Healthy Ecosystem

"We have a healthy red snapper population in our area of the Gulf," says Dr. Sean Powers, director of the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences. "We have the management and science in place to balance the needs of a diverse group of fishermen.”

Get Ready for Snapper Season 2025!

Mark your calendars! The 2025 red snapper season opens for private and state-licensed charter vessel anglers on Friday, May 23rd, running seven days a week through June 30th. After that, it's four-day weekend action starting July 4th until the private angler quota is reached. Alabama's private angler quota for 2025 is estimated at 664,552 pounds, set by NOAA Fisheries.

Partnering for Progress

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship emphasizes the importance of the research partnership with USA: “Alabama is blessed with phenomenal fishery resources. Our partnership with the University of South Alabama...is critical in assisting us in making informed decisions.”

Important Reminders

The daily bag limit is two red snapper per person, per day, with a minimum size limit of 16 inches. Anglers 16 and older need an Alabama saltwater fishing license, and residents 65+ or lifetime license holders need a current saltwater angler registration.