AL snapper season for private anglers

Alabama is operating for a second straight year under an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) from NOAA Fisheries to allow state fisheries management agencies, including the Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, additional flexibility to set private angler red snapper fishing seasons. The 2019 red snapper fishing season for anglers fishing from a private vessel or state-licensed guide boat will be three-day weekends (Friday-Sunday) from June 1 through July 28, plus the fourth of July. The season only applies to private anglers and state-licensed Alabama commercial party boats that do not hold federal for-hire fishing permits. The 2019 red snapper fishing season for anglers fishing from a federally permitted charter boat will be announced by NOAA Fisheries in the weeks ahead. NOAA Fisheries is undertaking a two-year study to examine the viability of limited state management for Gulf of Mexico red snapper in federal waters. Other Gulf Coast states will announce their 2019 seasons in the coming weeks. (Source: Outdoor Alabama 02/07/19)