The hot topic along the Gulf Coast seems to be about the new federal red snapper fishing regulations and the State of Florida’s decision not to follow the federal season.
Currently, the federal red snapper season will open June 1, 2008 and close September 30, 2008 with a recreational bag and possession limit of 2 fish per person per day. On for-hire vessels, the possession of recreational bag limit by captain and crew will be prohibited. Federal waters are beyond 9 nautical miles.
Recently, the State of Florida decided to open their red snapper season April 15, 2008 and close on October 31, 2008 with a recreational bag limit of 2 fish per person per day. Anglers must have a valid Florida fishing license to fish or to possess fish in Florida state waters (out to 9 nautical miles). If you have red snapper on board your vessel during the Florida red snapper season you may not venture into federal waters (beyond 9 nautical miles).
As far as we know, the State of Alabama red snapper season will follow the same dates and recreational bag limits as the federal season.
Before fishing, call to verify the season openings and possession laws. In Alabama contact the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at 251-968-7576 and in Florida contact the Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-FISH FLORIDA.
All of the above information is either what we have read in the newspapers or have been told by word of mouth and could change at anytime.
Now the good news! Spring is here!
As the air temperature heats up so will the fishing. The first arrivals this spring will be sheepshead around the inlets, the jetties, the piers, and the seawalls. They readily strike live shrimp and fiddler crabs.
The next arrivals on the scene will be Spanish mackerel. From the shoreline, they bite best on white jigs and Gotcha lures. Anglers aboard boats will do well with Clark spoons, silver or gold, pulled behind planers. If the seas are rough do not worry about leaving the pass, lots of Spanish mackerel can be caught inside the rocks trolling and behind Ono Island if the water quality is good.
As the water temperature warms the speckled trout and flounder action will pick up. The best baits for these species are live shrimp, bull minnows, and jigs.
The bottom fishing is very good right now. Trigger fish are being caught in the 100’ plus depths. Vermillion snapper and white snapper are also biting well. Further off shore in the 200’ to 300’ depth, the grouper and the scamp are starting to show up with increasing regularity.
Tight lines,
Capt. Randy Boggs
Reel Surprise Charters
http://www.reelsurprisecharters.com/
