Red Snapper season is finally here

Red snapper season is in full swing along the Alabama Gulf Coast, and there's no better place to experience it than here in Orange Beach. Colloquially known as the "Red Snapper Capital of the World," our vibrant beach town offers local and visiting anglers the chance to reel in one heck of a fine fish dinner. And with Fins and Family Fishing's private four, five, and six hour offshore fishing charters, catching a hard fighting and tasty Red Snapper has never been easier.

🎣 2025 Red Snapper Season Overview

The 2025 red snapper season in Alabama kicked off on May 23 and runs daily through June 30. Starting July 4, the season transitions to four-day weekends (Friday through Monday) until the private angler quota of approximately 664,552 pounds is met. Anglers have a daily bag limit of two red snappers per person, with a minimum size of 16 inches in total length. A 16 inch Red Snapper will generally weigh somewhere in the neighborhood of 4-6 lbs. and one fish that size will easily feed two hungry adults.

🐟 Fishing reefs in state of Alabama waters is the ticket

The state of Alabama waters extend up to nine nautical miles from shore and boasts thousands of artificial reefs, making it a hotspot for red snapper fishing. These structures, include everything from sunken ships, chicken coops, barges, and manmade concrete to rock reefs and natural bottom areas. These various types of structures provide ideal habitats for red snapper and other reef fish which calls the reef zone home. Most of the Red Snapper caught by anglers aboard a Fins and Family Fishing offshore charters are caught in depths ranging from 40 to about 100 feet. Red Snapper are designated as Federal Reef Fish and as such are most always associated with structure of some type.

🧰 Tips for a Successful Catch

To maximize your red snapper fishing experience the most important thing any angler can do is fish with an experienced captain. Experienced captains know the tricks that can make a good day into a great day. Tricks such as:

• Bait Selection: Dead bait like squid, pogies (menhaden), and cigar minnows are consistently effective. Squid, in particular, is favored for its strong scent and durability but having a few live cigar minnows or a Ruby Redlips can be a game changer.

• Fishing Techniques: Bottom fishing in and near structures is most common but sometimes it takes more than just traditional bottom fishing to get finicky fish to bite. Fishing high in the water column with flatlines around chum is not only fun but it is highly effective.

  Gear Recommendations: We opt for sturdy spin cast rods and reels along with bottom fishing gear capable of handling the strength of red snapper. Braided lines with a modest leader are commonly but sometimes the invisibility and stretch of mono and fluorocarbon are required to get the bite.

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🌦️ Weather the watch for safety at all times

Our mot successful Red Snapper fishing trips begin with our captains studying the current and predicted weather conditions and making a safe plan. Precipitation forecasts are combined with wave height and wind forecasts to help our team anticipate the expected impacts of the weather on our trips before we get underway. Our experienced team has the local knowledge to help translate the multiple forecasts at into useable data for the specific areas we are fishing that day. Out captains know to always stay vigilant and weather aware and to pay attention to changing and evolving conditions at all times in case forecasters are wrong. Our team of land and water based captains communicate frequently to help stay updated on weather conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable fishing trip.

📝 Final Thoughts

Red snapper fishing in Orange Beach is more than just a pastime—it's a cherished tradition that brings together locals and visitors alike. With the 2025 season offering extended opportunities and the local reefs teeming with fish, now is the perfect time to cast your line and experience the thrill of reeling in a red snapper. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, Fins and Family Fishing will provide the knowledge and expertise to make your Red Snapper fishing adventure a blast. Call Captain Brant at 251-979-2691 to book now or visit www.finsandfamilyfishing.com and book your trip securely online.