Red Snapper season started June first and the excitement is growing! Our captains have reported seeing large numbers of red snapper on the reefs as they fished this spring. Great news for all those anglers that are anticipating catching a big one this year!
Bring the family and make a day of your trip. Whether you choose 5-hour, 6-hour, or 10-hour day trips, or an 8-hour night trip or charter boat, it will be a very special experience. Breathe in the fresh Gulf air, get a little sunshine, and catch supper too! Be sure to ask about the local restaurants that will cook your catch for you. We call it ‘Hook ‘n Cook’ in PCB. You catch the fish, have them cleaned at the dockside seafood market, then take them to be cooked at a local eatery-they supply all the trimmings! Yay! No dishes for mom!
When you are planning your trip be sure to stay in the know about your fishing options and regulations. For accurate regulations and season dates you first must determine whether you are fishing from a Federally permitted boat, a State (only) charter boat, or a private recreational boat.
Our Federally licensed and permitted boats’ head boat and charter boat season began June 1 and go through August 2 at 12MN. Reserve early for these trips from our local marinas – Capt. Anderson’s Marina, Lighthouse Marina, Pirate’s Cove Marina, and Treasure Island Marina are all located on Grand Lagoon. Others are located at St. Andrews Marina in town. These boats purchase annual fishing licenses for all who fish with them, so no personal license is necessary.
The private anglers and state charter boats have their season determined by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). According to their website www.myFWC.com, the private anglers and state [only] charter boats’ season will be June 4 through July 28 this year.
The FWC says, “If you plan to fish for red snapper in state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, even if you are exempt from fishing license requirements, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal required) at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.”
At this time, President Biden’s mask mandate, instituted in February, is still the law for anyone on Federal public transportation, including boats. The CDC has since eased restrictions for mandatory masks in public venues, but the laws are different from State to State. For your comfort and choice, we have asked legislators through several fishing and boating organizations to request this order be rescinded since other venues are not under this strict requirement. For the time being, though, bring your mask.
When planning your fishing trip, remember Capt. Anderson’s Marina…
Where the fish are always biting and the kids are always smiling.
