Saltwater Fishing

****REMINDER****

Anglers are reminded that Alabama waters close to the harvest and possession of Lane snapper when the federal waters are closed.

Recreational and Commercial Harvest of Lane Snapper in Federal Waters of the Gulf of Mexico Will Close on December 13, 2019

WHAT/WHEN/WHERE:

• Recreational and commercial harvest of lane snapper in federal waters will close at 12:01 a.m. (local time) on December 13, 2019.
• Recreational and commercial harvest will reopen at 12:01 a.m. (local time) on January 1, 2020.

WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING:

• The 2019 stock annual catch limit is 301,000 pounds.  Updated landings data indicate that stock annual catch limit has been reached.
• In 2018, the stock annual catch limit was exceeded.
• In accordance with the regulations, if the stock annual catch limit is exceeded one year, then during the following fishing year, if the sum of commercial and recreational landings reaches or is projected to reach the stock annual catch limit, NOAA Fisheries must close the recreational and commercial sectors for the remainder of that fishing year. 
• As a result, recreational and commercial harvest for lane snapper will close in federal waters at 12:01 am (local time) on December 13, 2019, and will remain closed until 12:01 a.m. (local time) on January 1, 2020.
• This closure is necessary to protect the lane snapper population. 

DURING THE CLOSURE:

• No recreational or commercial fisherman may fish for or keep lane snapper after 12:01 a.m. (local time) on December 13, 2019.

• The closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a valid Gulf of Mexico commercial reef fish permit.

• During the closure, the bag and possession limits for lane snapper in or from federal waters of the Gulf are zero.
• Sale or purchase of any harvested lane snapper in or from federal waters is prohibited.
• The prohibition on sale or purchase does not apply to trade in lane snapper that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold before 12:01 a.m., (local time) December 13, 2019, and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.

****REMINDER****

Greater Amberjack Closure - Alabama State waters will close to the recreational harvest of greater amberjack at 12:01 a.m., November,1 2019, to coincide with the closing of Gulf federal waters.
 
Flounder - possessing, taking, or attempting to take flounder harvested in the waters of Alabama for commercial or recreational purposes from November 1 through November 30 is prohibited.
 

Regulation Changes Beginning August 1, 2019

Cobia

• 36 inches fork length

Spotted Sea Trout

• Slot Length is 15 inches total length to 22 inches total length
• 6 per person, per day with one over 22 inches total length allowed

Flounder

• 14 inches total length (recreational and commercial)
• Recreational creel limit is 5 per person 
• Commercial creel limit is 40 per person or 40 per vessel
• Closed season for flounder is November 1 through November 30 for both recreational and commercial anglers

Hook Requirements

• Anglers fishing for, retaining, possessing, or landing gulf reef fish species (as defined in Rule 220-3-.46) must use non-stainless steel circle hooks when using natural bait.
• Anglers fishing for, retaining, or possessing, or landing sharks must use non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks when using natural bait.

Beginning August 26, 2019

A Reef Fish Endorsement will be available for purchase for recreational licenses beginning August 26, 2019. Commercial license sales will begin on September 16, 2019. The Reef Fish Endorsement will be required for any person possessing, taking or attempting to take any gulf reef fish species listed in Rule 220-3-.46 (see below). This endorsement is required for all resident and non-resident anglers 16 years of age and older, and includes disabled, veterans appreciation, 65 and older, lifetime license holders, pier licenses, annual saltwater licenses, trip licenses, commercial fishermen, and charter boats.

Click here for more information about the Reef Fish Endorsement and a list of the gulf reef fish species in Rule 220-3-.46.

The Alabama Marine Resources Division manages Alabama's marine fisheries resources with assessment and monitoring, applied research, and enforcement programs. The Division offices are located in Gulf Shores and Dauphin Island. Fishing licenses can be purchased at both locations or online.

Red Snapper Season

Saltwater Contacts

Saltwater/Freshwater License Boundary

Learn to Saltwater Fish

Report Saltwater Fish Kills or Marine Strandings

Coastal Boating Access Points

Regulations and Enforcement

Adopt-a-Reef Information

Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) Information

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Each year, the Marine Resources Division publishes a tide calendar. The calendars are available at many outdoor retailers in Baldwin and Mobile counties, at the Marine Resources offices in Dauphin Island and Gulf Shores, and is also available to download.