Rutherford Statement on the 2026 South Atlantic Red Snapper Season

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Friday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) released the following statement on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries' announcement of the 2026 recreational red snapper fishing season in the South Atlantic, in which the agency issued new Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) requested by Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Florida's red snapper recreational fishing season in the South Atlantic will open for fourteen days this year from October 9th through October 22nd.

"Finally, the long-awaited South Atlantic red snapper season is here, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of Florida's beautiful waters and go fishing," saidRutherford. "While it is fewer days than we hoped for, this season is a great opportunity for us to learn more about the red snapper fishery, collect high-quality data, and lay the groundwork for a longer and more predictable recreational season in 2027 and the years to come.

"As a co-chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I remain committed to advocating for proven methods of collecting reliable data, expanding sustainable harvests, and supporting our coastal economies that depend on this fishery. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump, Secretary Lutnick, Governor DeSantis, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) to fight for recreational anglers in our community and across the Great State of Florida. Together, we can Make Fishing Great Again."

Find more information about Florida's recreational red snapper season on FWC's website here.