From inshore superstars such as Redfish and Tarpon to offshore giants such as Marlin and Tuna, the Gulf of Mexico houses some of the top game fish on the planet. Тhere’s a fish to suit every type of angler here! But hardly any event causes as much of a buzz as the opening of the Red Snapper season.

Red Snapper are abundant in the Gulf of Mexico, and they’re arguably the tastiest fish you’ll have the chance to catch out here. However, since the season generally opens only once or twice a year, anglers have limited windows to get their hooks into these prized fish.

The 2024 season has already kicked off in some places, and it’ll soon open across the entire US Gulf Coast. So if you’re wondering where to go to catch your limit, dive into our list of the best Red Snapper fishing spots in the Gulf of Mexico.

Port Aransas, TX

Nestled on the northern tip of Mustang Island, Port Aransas is a small city that boasts some of the nicest beaches in the Lone Star State. It’s a vibrant community, perfect both for family vacations and for those looking to cast their line. Locals call the city “Port A” for short, but it also bears another nickname - the “Fishing Capital of Texas.”

In the waters around and offshore from the city, you’ll get the chance to catch nearly everything the Gulf of Mexico has to offer. But in summer specifically, Port Aransas becomes a premium spot for anglers looking to fish for delicious Red Snapper.

Along this part of the Texas coast, you can find Red Snapper as close as 10 miles offshore. However, to get to where the bigger specimens lurk, you’ll need to run about 30 miles into the Gulf. The ride is well worth it, though, as once you find the right spot, you’ll be catching all you can keep. Besides Snapper, you’ll frequently see Kingfish and Cobia prowl the same grounds.

When you’re done fishing, we recommend spending some time enjoying the local nature. Besides Mustang Island, both Matagorda Island to the north and Padre Island to the south are worth paying a visit to. As for Port A itself, it has great restaurants that you can take your catch to and have it turned into a hearty dinner.

Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, AL

Situated right next to each other, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are the two hottest vacation destinations on the Alabama coast. They share the same beautiful shoreline along with plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Furthermore, they serve as the two main charter fishing hubs in Alabama, with large fleets of boats stationed in both cities.

If you’re wondering about the quality of Red Snapper fishing in Alabama - it’s some of the best in the Gulf. The action gets so hot in the summertime that Orange Beach has claimed the title of the “Red Snapper Capital of the World” - and nobody can try to convince you that it doesn’t deserve this title! The waters off the coast of Alabama hide the largest artificial reef system in the US. It provides the perfect habitat both for Snapper and a host of other fish.

When fishing in Alabama, you’ll be returning to land with all the Red Snapper you can legally keep, that’s almost a guarantee. We suggest you take your fish to a restaurant and have it cooked while it’s at its freshest. Afterwards, hit the Wharf for shopping or entertainment, or simply head down to the beach to catch the rays.

Pensacola, FL

Head east from Orange Beach, cross the Florida border, and you’ll reach Pensacola and its resort community - Pensacola Beach. Although the two cities are close, Pensacola’s Gulf coastline sets itself apart in terms of beauty. It boasts gorgeous emerald waters that crash against white sand beaches, creating the kind of scenery that you’d typically have to travel to the Caribbean to see.

In terms of angling, you can rest assured that Pensacola is absolutely world-class. Whether you’re inshore or offshore, the waters are teeming with fish. And that, of course, includes Red Snapper, which you’ll find in abundance as soon as drop your hook over the offshore reefs. In fact, while Orange Beach is associated with the “Red Snapper Capital” moniker nowadays, Pensacola used to bear the title in the not-too-distant past.

If you’re wondering what else is there to do besides angling, the short answer is - plenty. Pensacola is a place you’ll enjoy whether you’re out to party or spend some quality time with your family. Plan your Snapper trip between July 10-13 and you’ll catch the epic Blue Angels Air Show in Pensacola Beach.

Venice, LA

Situated near the mouth of the Mississippi River where it flows into the Gulf of Mexico, Venice is a premier saltwater fishing destination. From the mouth of the river, the sea depth begins to drop by about 100 feet per mile. Thanks to this, the waters soon become a playground for all kinds of big game fish. And that’s without mentioning the sprawling Louisiana bayous where all the inshore species lurk.

When you’re fishing for Red Snapper in Venice, it’s likely that they’ll be just one of the species you’ll catch that day. Along the same hunting grounds where Snapper lurk, you’ll often see Grouper, Amberjack, and Cobia. Head further offshore and you’ll get to add jumbo Yellowfins, Wahoo, Marlin, and even Swordfish to the list.

Venice itself is a very small place. So besides the epic fishing and maybe a swamp tour, there’s not a whole lot to do over there. However, New Orleans lies only about an hour and a half northwest. There, you can visit the famous French Quarter and try their delectable Cajun cuisine in an authentic setting.

Biloxi, MS

Known for its beaches, casinos, and seafood, Biloxi blends city life with a healthy dose of coastal charm. But among its many attractions, this part of Mississippi’s “Secret Coast” really shines when it comes to angling. The fish bite both inshore and offshore, making it a great destination to satisfy any kind of saltwater angler.

In summer, the Red Snapper fishing in Biloxi is just as amazing as elsewhere along the Gulf Coast. Typically, you’ll run about 25 miles offshore to get to the sunken wrecks that house these fish. Along with tasty Red Snapper, you’ll get to fish for King Mackerel, Cobia, Sharks, and more around the same spots.

As we mentioned, if you’re the gambling type, you’ll enjoy Biloxi’s luxury casino resorts. But there’s also plenty of other things to do. Visit the Beauvoir estate for a glimpse of local history, hit the beachfront, or tour the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in nearby Gulfport. It’s not just the fishing that’s diverse!

Port Lavaca, TX

Port Lavaca is the second Texas destination on this year’s list, but with the quality of Red Snapper fishing these waters offer, can you blame us? Tucked away behind a barrier island, Port Lavaca is a peaceful coastal city with beautiful surroundings. And in terms of angling, it’s just as productive as the rest of the Texas coast.

Inshore, Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder are abundant. Meanwhile, once you head out of Matagorda Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll have access to the same amazing Red Snapper spots that you’d be fishing from Port Aransas.

Port Lavaca itself is a family-friendly place, and ideal for those who like a simple, laid-back vacation. Relax on the beach, explore the outdoors, grab a dinner in one of the local restaurants, and get some hard-earned rest.

Tampa, FL

As Florida’s third-largest city, Tampa features all the urban attractions you could hope for, along with easy access to some of the state’s best fishing grounds. It’s a place you’ll enjoy whether you’re traveling with your family, a loved one, or friends.

Come summer, the waters offshore from Tampa Bay offer prolific Red Snapper fishing. And while we’ve put Tampa on our list, nearby St. Petersburg or Clearwater will serve you just as well. Depending on which of these cities you depart from, you’ll likely run about 20 to 30 miles offshore to get to the productive reefs and wrecks where Snappers love to feed.

While you’re in Tampa, we recommend touring the Florida Aquarium and the Busch Gardens theme park. Other fun experiences include visiting Adventure Island, ZooTampa, and the city’s riverwalk. Wherever you end up going, rest assured you won’t run out of things to do while you’re in Tampa.

Fort Myers Beach, FL

Fort Myers Beach is a small town situated on Estero Island, just south of Cape Coral. A scenic beach spans the entire Gulf side of the island. Meanwhile, Estero Bay, which lies behind it, hides vibrant mangrove forests. Together, they create one of the most picturesque areas across the Sunshine State.

To add to the striking scenery, Fort Myers Beach is also a premier fishing spot. Its local waters will put you on just about every inshore fish you can find in Florida. Meanwhile, if you head about 20 miles offshore, you’ll get to catch the prized Red Snapper, along with a range of other bottom and pelagic species.

Fort Myers Beach is all about the outdoors. So if you’re into any other water-based activities in addition to fishing, you’ll love it. We recommend visiting Lovers Key State Park while you’re in the area. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also a haven for West Indian manatees which often make their way along the narrow, mangrove-lined waterways.

When does the Red Snapper season start?

Red Snapper regulations in the Gulf of Mexico typically vary from year to year and state to state. So before you decide on where to go, let’s dive into when the season opens in each of the Gulf states.

In Florida, the 2024 Red Snapper season will take place from June 1 to July 31. After that, there’ll be another season in the fall, which should run every weekend from September 1 until November 30.

Alabama’s Red Snapper season opens May 24 this year, running every Friday through Sunday until the fish quotas fill. The fishing will also be open during the whole of Independence Day week (July 1-5). Mississippi’s season also begins on May 24, with no set end date yet.

In Louisiana, the Red Snapper season has already begun - kicking off on April 15. There’s no set end date, but the season will remain open until the annual quotas are met. The Texas Red Snapper season is open year-round in state waters. Meanwhile, the federal season across the Gulf of Mexico will take place from July 1 to August 28.

Best Red Snapper Spots in the Gulf: Just a Few of Many

The 2024 federal Red Snapper season will last for 88 days, making it the longest season so far. The fish will be abundant across the Gulf of Mexico, and the spots we’ve selected are just a few of the many where you can fish for Red Snapper. Let our picks serve as inspiration, as each place on the list is a pretty safe bet when it comes to angling. When you’ve figured out where to go, all that’ll be left is to find the perfect guide to put you on the fish!

For more inspiration, feel free to check out our article from last year.

How do you like our list of the best Red Snapper spots in the Gulf? Would you add any destinations to it? What’s your favorite way to eat Red Snapper? Let us know in the comments below!

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