Southern States Want Fishing Passes to Test Snapper Rules
Published Date: 2/13/2026
Notice
Summary
Four Southeast states want special permission to try new ways of managing red snapper fishing in 2026. If approved, these tests will help improve data on how many fish are caught and guide future fishing rules. Fishermen and state agencies should pay attention and share their thoughts by March 10, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 8 costs, 0 mixed.
State-led extended fishing seasons
Four Southeast states have applied for permits that would let private anglers and for-hire fishermen fish red snapper under extended state and Federal recreational seasons in 2026. Florida proposes a split season totaling 39 fishing days (May 22–June 20, and three October weekends); Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina propose a 62-day season from July 1 through August 31, 2026.
Permit and licensing requirements for participants
To participate under any EFP, private anglers and for-hire operators must have the required state licenses and Federal snapper-grouper permits when fishing or landing in the applicable state. South Carolina and North Carolina would require that for-hire state licenses and Federal charter/headboat permits be issued prior to January 1, 2026 to participate.
North Carolina vessel and bag limits
North Carolina proposes a 62-day season from July 1–August 31, 2026, with private anglers allowed one red snapper per person per day but constrained to the more restrictive of one fish per person or four fish per vessel; charter vessels (six or fewer passengers) would apply the more restrictive of a bag per paying angler or vessel limit, and headboats (more than six paying passengers) would have a vessel limit of 20 fish. Captains and crew would be excluded from possession of a bag limit.
Mandatory electronic trip reporting
Participants in the proposed EFP projects must submit trip declarations and mandatory electronic trip reports to state systems (e.g., VESL or SRFS) and, in most cases, complete the post-trip report within 24 hours of trip departure; some states require a trip authorization code before departing and will not allow a new trip to be started until the prior trip's report is submitted.
Florida 39-day split season and aggregate bag limit
Florida's application would allow red snapper harvest on a split season totaling 39 fishing days (daily May 22–June 20; Fridays–Sundays on Oct 2–4, Oct 9–11, Oct 16–18) and would manage red snapper as part of a 10-fish snapper-grouper aggregate bag limit; once a participant reaches any combination of 10 aggregate fish, they must stop bottom fishing for federally managed snapper-grouper species for that trip.
South Carolina 20-inch minimum size limit
South Carolina's EFP proposal would set a minimum size limit for red snapper of 20 inches (approximately 51 centimeters) total length in Federal waters to match state waters regulations during the proposed 62-day July 1–August 31, 2026 season.
Captain and crew retention prohibited
All applicants propose to prohibit captain and crew of for-hire vessels from retaining red snapper under the EFP projects; paying anglers and private anglers may retain one red snapper per person per day if they meet other conditions.
Biological, social, and economic data collection
The EFP projects would collect biological (including carcass donations), social, and economic information and summarize data (some states plan biweekly summaries); participants may be asked to donate carcasses and complete follow-up surveys to support research and future state-led management decisions.
Possible restrictions on protected areas
If NMFS issues an EFP, it may impose conditions such as prohibiting fishing within marine protected areas, marine sanctuaries, or special management zones without additional authorization.
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