Big news is making waves along the Treasure Coast for recreational anglers and charter captains alike. In a significant shift for the local fishing industry, Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a plan to dramatically expand the red snapper fishing season in Atlantic waters for 2026. After years of extremely limited windows—sometimes lasting only a single day—local fishermen may soon see a 39-day season, a move that has sparked both excitement and caution among Vero Beach’s veteran captains.
For years, the red snapper season in the Atlantic has been strictly controlled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which cited critically low population levels starting in 2009. However, under a new initiative involving an Exempted Fishing Permit submitted to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Florida is seeking to take over management of the Atlantic red snapper fisheries, mirroring the state’s successful management of Gulf coast waters.
If the permit is approved, the proposed 2026 Atlantic red snapper season dates will be:
- May 22 through June 20
- October 2-4
- October 9-11
- October 16-18
This expansion is a potential game-changer for local charter businesses. Captain Colton Hester of Vero Beach Fishing Charters noted that the restrictive one or two-day seasons of the past forced him to turn away eager customers. He points out that red snapper—found near reefs and wrecks between 30 and 600 feet deep—are often caught unintentionally as “bycatch” outside of the season, forcing anglers to release them.
“They’re a fun fight. Whether as table fare or the fun of the fight, snapper fishing is a real attraction.” — Captain Colton Hester, Vero Beach Fishing Charters
However, not everyone is convinced that a blanket expansion is the right move for the entire coastline. Captain Richard Hunt of Little Adam Fishing Charters in Fort Pierce expressed concern regarding conservation. He suggests that red snapper populations are abundant further north, particularly accessed via the Sebastian Inlet, but are scarcer south of Fort Pierce. Hunt advocates for more regionalized rules and further scientific study, fearing that a massive increase in fishing days could harm recovering populations in southern waters where shark predation is already a significant issue for anglers reeling in catches.
Captain Eric Davis of Vero Backcountry Fishing offered a pragmatic view, noting that while the longer season will certainly boost business for larger offshore vessels, the individual bag limit is expected to remain at one fish per person per day. Both Davis and Hester agree that for those seeking this specific catch, heading north out of the Sebastian Inlet yields the best results.
The push for state management is supported by the American Sportfishing Association, which highlights the economic benefits to Florida’s $11.1 billion recreational fishing industry. The state has already demonstrated its capacity to manage similar fisheries in the Gulf, where the season extended to 127 days this year.
For locals looking to book a trip during the anticipated 2026 season, local charter operators are already preparing:
- Vero Beach Fishing Charters: Specializes in offshore trips ($1,000/day for four anglers). Contact Captain Colton Hester at 772-293-5342.
- Vero Backcountry Fishing: Offers inshore and offshore excursions ($1,100/day for six anglers). Contact Captain Eric Davis at 772-532-6174.
- Little Adam Fishing Charters: Based in Fort Pierce. Contact Captain Richard Hunt at 772-370-1919.
