June 7, 2017 — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) is considering a plan that could lead to more fishing days for red snapper in federal waters.
The U.S. Department of Commerce is offering to add more fishing days for recreational anglers in exchange for the Gulf states agreeing to shorten their red snapper season in state waters.
“Florida would have to give days to get days,” according to an FWC press release.
Current discussion are aiming to align an expanded federal season with weekend and holidays throughout the summer. In exchange, FWC would give up some fishing days in state waters, according to the release.
These changes would apply only to private anglers. No change is being considered to the for-hire season which is open daily until July 19.
The season for private anglers ended Saturday — a mere three days. Since the announcement was made, there has been intense anger from local fisherman and a steady call for a longer season. Local politicians have sent letters to both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which regulates the fishery, and the Department of Congress asking for more days.