Georgia Department of Natural Resources Pushes Back Start of Recreational Red Snapper Season
Recreational anglers in Georgia will have to continue releasing one of the state’s most frequently caught offshore fish after officials delayed the planned red snapper season.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources announced that the recreational red snapper season, originally scheduled to begin on July 1, will not open as planned.
Last year, Georgia’s recreational red snapper season lasted only two days. This year, state officials had planned to expand that short window into a two-month season covering July and August. However, a federal judge’s decision halted the plan before it could begin, leaving the future of the season uncertain.
Local Bait Shops Expected a Busy Season
In St. Marys, Knucklehead’s Bait and Tackle owner Jerre Brumbelow said many people in the fishing community believe the current rules need to change because red snapper are plentiful offshore.
Brumbelow said he does not always get out on the water during red snapper season himself, but his shop typically sees strong traffic from charter captains and recreational anglers preparing for trips.
He said local businesses were expecting extra sales after learning Georgia might have a two-month recreational red snapper season. One nearby bait shop owner had even planned a grand opening around the season, but now faces uncertainty about when to open and how to generate business.
Georgia DNR Withdraws Permit Request
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources said the planned season extension has been delayed and that the state has withdrawn its permit request.
The delay follows legal action tied to concerns over how expanded recreational fishing days could affect the red snapper population and access to the fish.
Commercial Fishing Group Raises Concerns
The Southeastern Fisheries Association, which represents the commercial fishing industry, filed a lawsuit over the expanded recreational season.
Captain Bob Zales of the association said a restricted resource cannot be managed with unrestricted access. He argued that expanding recreational fishing days without proper limits could create problems for sustainability.
Zales said one of the group’s main concerns is making sure consumers can still buy fresh red snapper at stores and restaurants.
Both Sides Want a Sustainable Plan
Zales said the association is willing to work with the State of Georgia to create a recreational season that balances the needs of anglers, charter operators, commercial fishermen and consumers.
He said the goal should be a sustainable fishery that remains healthy and available to everyone who depends on it.
Charter Captains Left in Limbo
Brumbelow said his biggest concern is not only for his own tackle shop, but also for charter captains along the coast.
He said many captains from Georgia down toward Key West were preparing to book red snapper trips, and the delay has created major frustration for those who planned around the expected season.
DNR Hopes for Fall Season
Georgia DNR said it plans to file another permit request in hopes of creating some type of recreational red snapper season this fall.
For now, anglers must continue releasing red snapper while state officials, commercial fishing interests and federal regulators work through the next steps.
Georgia’s planned two-month recreational red snapper season has been delayed after a federal court decision and the withdrawal of the state’s permit request. The move has disappointed recreational anglers, bait shops and charter captains who expected a busy summer season. State officials now hope to pursue another permit that could allow some form of red snapper fishing later this fall.