OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Gulf Coast communities like Crystal River, Cedar Key, and Yankeetown are gearing up for a busy season after Governor Ron DeSantis announced a record-breaking 126-day Gulf Red Snapper recreational season for 2025 – the longest since Florida took over management of Gulf Red Snapper.

The expanded season offers more opportunities for anglers to fish over major holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving.

“Florida is the fishing capital of the world – with 4 million licensed anglers and generations of families who enjoy our waters. After setting a record last year, we’re doing it again with the longest Gulf Red Snapper season in state history, giving Floridians and visitors even more time to fish on Florida’s waterways,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Smart state management of Gulf waters has allowed us to offer these record-breaking opportunities to Floridians year after year.”

Local charter captains and small businesses along the Nature Coast are expected to benefit from the longer season, drawing tourists and recreational fishermen to Gulf waters off Citrus and Levy counties.

“We want to thank Governor DeSantis for once again demonstrating Florida’s commitment to being the Fishing and Boating Capital of the world,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto.

The 2025 Gulf Red Snapper season will begin Memorial Day Weekend and include weekends through December, with major holiday periods open for fishing. The season applies to those fishing from private recreational vessels or charter boats.

State officials credit the success of Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey with allowing the extended season. Anyone fishing for red snapper must be registered as a State Reef Fish Angler, even if otherwise exempt from licensing requirements.

More information is available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Originally published on April 29, 2025. Republished for timeliness.

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