Alabama’s 2020 red snapper season begins Friday, and Yellowhammer News has compiled everything an Alabama angler needs to know.
The season will take place each weekend beginning May 22 and concluding July 19.
In 2020, for the first time, snapper can be caught on Mondays.
The weekends during which snapper can be caught are defined as 12:01 a.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Monday.
Here’s some more useful information:
Each angler over the age of 16 that uses Alabama’s saltwater areas must complete the Saltwater Angler Registration process.
The process is free, and instructions can be found here.
Anglers who have completed their registration and want to catch red snapper must buy a Saltwater Recreational License from the State of Alabama.
A one-year saltwater fishing license costs $24.35 and can be purchased here. Discounts are available for those with disabilities.
Those under age 16 and over age 65 are exempt from the license requirements.
In addition to the saltwater fishing license, anglers interested in catching red snapper must purchase a Reef Fish Endorsement.
The Reef Fish Endorsement can be added to the purchase of the Saltwater Recreational License. It costs $10.
All fishermen over 16 must have the Reef Fish Endorsement.
Each snapper kept by an angler must be at least 16 inches in length.
Two snappers are allowed per angler per day.
Each boat that brings in any snapper during an outing is required by law to complete a report of the snapper caught during a trip on the water.
The report, which the Alabama Department of Conservation calls a Snapper Check, can be submitted online or on the Outdoor Alabama app.
The website for reporting a Snapper Check can be found here.
The app is available for iPhone users and Android owners.
Some popular boat ramps have paper landing reports available that can be filled out manually.
Snapper caught by children under age 16 must be included in the Snapper Check landing report, even though kids in that age range do not have to register or buy a license.
Any further information needed can be found at outdooralabama.com or at regional fishery offices.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95
