Alabama state waters, out to 3 miles
AL sets its own season under state management (2026 private quota 664,552 lb); may close early when quota is met.
AL MRD 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
Private-angler seasons in Gulf federal waters are set by each state (delegated management) — check your state's season. Federal for-hire: Jun 1 – Oct 26, 2026.
NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked 2026-09-20
Snapper Check State law
Red snapper, gray triggerfish, and greater amberjack landed in Alabama must be reported through Snapper Check before the fish leave the boat — one landing report per vessel trip, wherever the fish were caught.
How to report · AL MRD · checked 2026-09-04
Often mistaken for
Vermilion snapperSmaller, streamlined, forked tail, no heavy jaw. Tell them apart
Red grouperGrouper mouth and rounded tail, mottled brick red. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
Alabama state record
Outdoor Alabama Saltwater State Records · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Uniform rose red, red eye, pointed anal fin; adults lack the dark side spot. More on the red snapper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Red snapper in other states10 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask6
What is the size limit for red snapper in Alabama?
16 in total length minimum. Measured as total length: snout to the tip of the tail, tail lobes squeezed together.
How many red snapper can you keep in Alabama?
2 per person.
When is red snapper season in Alabama?
2026 AL season opened May 22, 7 days/week in state and federal waters until quota met or Dec 31. As of Sep 21, 2026 it is open.
Do I have to report red snapper in Alabama?
Yes. Red snapper, gray triggerfish, and greater amberjack landed in Alabama must be reported through Snapper Check before the fish leave the boat — one landing report per vessel trip, wherever the fish were caught.
What is the Alabama record red snapper?
44 lb 12 oz (2002).
How current is this Alabama red snapper rule?
Source: AL MRD 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at a red snapper in Alabama and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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