Featured Red Snapper Charters in Pensacola
Expert captains ready to take you on your next red snapper adventure.
Fly Fishing Pensacola
Saltwater fly fishing charter and guide business in Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Perdido Key Florida. Targeting Redfish, Jack Crevalle, Speckled Trout, Shark, Cobia, Tarpon, Mackerel, and False Albacore.
Pensacola Fishing Co. Inshore & Offshore Charters
Our Gulf Coast fishing charters will deliver you to a diverse fishery that holds huge Grouper, Snapper, Kingfish, Redfish, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel & more!
Best Time to Catch Red Snapper
Red Snapper can be caught year-round in Pensacola. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Red Snapper
Pensacola is a prime destination for Red Snapper fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, but timing is everything. The brief summer season is the only time you can legally target them in federal waters. The artificial reefs and natural hard bottom areas off the coast are teeming with these prized fish. When the season is open, expect heavy fishing pressure. Bottom fishing with live or cut bait is the most common method. Chumming can also help attract snapper to your boat. A local tip: Try fishing during the week to avoid the weekend crowds. Also, pay close attention to depth finders to locate schools of red snapper. The Red Snapper fishery in the Gulf has seen significant improvements in recent years, resulting in larger and more abundant fish, but responsible fishing practices are crucial to maintaining this trend.
How to Catch Red Snapper
Red Snapper Fishing Regulations in Florida
Daily Bag Limit
1 per person per day
Size Limit
16-inch minimum total length
License Required
Florida Saltwater Fishing License
Open season is typically a limited number of days in the summer; check current regulations for exact dates. Regulations apply in state and federal waters.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Florida state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the daily bag limit for Red Snapper in Pensacola?
The current bag limit for Red Snapper in Florida is 1 per person per day. Always verify the regulations before your trip, as they can change annually.
What is the minimum size Red Snapper I can keep in Pensacola?
You can keep Red Snapper if they are at least 16 inches in total length. Make sure to measure your catch accurately to comply with regulations.
What's the best bait to use for Red Snapper fishing near Pensacola?
Red Snapper are known to bite on various baits, including live or cut bait like squid, cigar minnows, and pinfish. Jigs and artificial lures can also be effective, especially when fishing around reefs and wrecks.
Do I need a license to fish for Red Snapper in Pensacola, Florida?
Yes, you need a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License to target Red Snapper and other saltwater species in Pensacola. Make sure your license is up to date before heading out.
When is the best time to fish for Red Snapper off the coast of Pensacola?
The Red Snapper season is typically open for a limited time during the summer months. Check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website for the exact dates each year.
More Red Snapper Fishing in Florida
Other Species to Fish in Pensacola
Ready to Catch Red Snapper in Pensacola?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.