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| Capt. Jim and Dall Burnsed |
(Michael Wilson/ForShoreFishing.TheLedger.com)
Well the day is finally here. September 1 marked the much awaited and somewhat controversial opening of the recreational snook season on Florida’s Gulf coast. The season also opened on the Atlantic coast. However, it’s the opening of snook on the Gulf coast that is the really big news for saltwater anglers around the state.
Snook season in Gulf waters has been closed since the devastating freeze of 2010. Thousands of snook died during the freeze and the state’s overall snook population took a hit, but the numbers on the Gulf coast were hit the hardest. The Atlantic coast has seen its traditional seasonal openings since the freeze. However, the Gulf coast has been closed ever since. State officials kept the closure in place to give the species a chance to replenish its numbers. It’s now been over three years and officials and scientists determined this September could see the traditional opening on the Gulf coast as well.
It’s been a controversial decision that has folks on one side saying it’s time to reopen the season pitted against those who say the season should remain closed. Some feel the snook numbers haven’t recovered well enough yet, while others feel the closure has run its course.
I’ve read and heard arguments from recreational anglers and folks who make their living off fishing that fall on both sides of the argument. So have the FWC and state officials. Snook fishing in the state of Florida has a renowned reputation and draws in anglers from all over the world. It has a big impact on tourism and the state’s economy.
Well the date has arrived and the discussion is over. Snook season is open again including the Gulf, so let’s discuss all the rules.
As of September 1 at midnight, anglers fishing in Florida’s Gulf of Mexico, Everglades National Park and Monroe County coastal and inland waters may keep one snook per day between 28 and 33 inches in length.
Anglers fishing in Florida’s Atlantic coastal and inland waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River may keep one snook between 28 and 32 inches total length per day.
Snook season will remain open until December 1st for Gulf Coast anglers and until December 15th for Atlantic coast anglers. These are the traditional closure dates and they have not changed.
Licensed saltwater anglers must purchase a $10 permit to harvest snook. Snatch-hooking and spearing snook are prohibited, and it is illegal to buy or sell snook. Snook regulations also apply in federal waters.
For a full explanation of saltwater fishing regulations in Florida check this link for the Florida Fish
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