The Marine Resources Division (MRD) of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) announced on Monday that Alabama state waters and federal waters will open to private and state-licensed charter vessel anglers for red snapper harvest on May 22.
The season will be open seven days a week until the end of the year or when Alabama’s quota has been met. NOAA Fisheries has set the 2026 private angler quota for Alabama at 664,552 pounds. In 2025, Alabama’s season was open for 196 days with an estimated harvest of 623,029 pounds of red snapper.
“Under state management we have the ability to adapt our red snapper season to meet the needs of anglers that fish in Alabama,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR commissioner. “For 2026, we are modifying the season to 7 days a week which will give our private anglers and state licensed charter boats more flexibility when planning their fishing trips. We are excited to provide more opportunities to catch red snapper this year and anticipate another successful season.”
The season dates only apply to anglers fishing from shore, private recreational vessels and state-licensed Alabama commercial party boats that do not hold federal for-hire fishing permits. The season for federally permitted for-hire reef fish vessels will open on June 1 and will close on October 26.
Alabama uses Snapper Check to monitor shore, private vessel and state charter angler landings during the season, and will provide weekly updates at www.outdooralabama.com.
MRD will announce a season closure date when the 2026 quota is anticipated to be met.
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