Alabama federal for-hire red snapper closes Oct. 26; private season stays open

Gulf federally permitted for-hire boats are nearing the end of their 2026 red snapper calendar. Outdoor Alabama, citing NOAA Fisheries, says the federal for-hire reef-fish season opened June 1 and closes at 12:01 a.m. local time Oct. 26, 2026 — a 147-day federal for-hire season.

Alabama’s private-angler and state-licensed charter season is a different track. State and federal waters opened to those anglers May 22 and stay open seven days a week until Alabama’s private quota of 664,552 pounds is projected to be met or Dec. 31. Snapper Check reporting is still required for red snapper, gray triggerfish, and greater amberjack, and a Reef Fish Endorsement is needed to land reef fish in Alabama.

State-licensed party boats without federal for-hire permits must follow the state season and stay inside the nine-mile state-waters line. ADCNR will announce a private-season closure date when landings approach the quota. Check Outdoor Alabama’s saltwater closures page before you book an October charter.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Outdoor Alabama — Alabama saltwater season closures, notices, and updates.