Gulf of Mexico waters near Fort Myers Beach deemed prime location for red snapper

Mark H. Bickel, Fort Myers News-Press
·2 min read

The warm Gulf of Mexico water near Fort Myers Beach is a prime location for red snapper fishing.

This is according to research by FishingBooker, a platform for booking fishing trips, which has released its "8 Best Red Snapper Fishing Spots in the Gulf of Mexico for 2024."

The timing couldn't be better with Florida's gulf recreational red snapper season opening on June 1.

More: 15 fishing captains in Lee County are among the best in the world

According to FishingBooker, the eight destinations on their list offer the most productive bite, easy access, and knowledgeable fishing guides – all essential for a successful reeling in a red snapper. Fort Myers Beach is one of three Florida locations on the list.

Fresh Red Snapper rest on ice Friday Dec. 15, 2023 at Eagle Island Fruit and Seafood fish market in Wilmington, N.C. KEN BLEVINS/STARNEWS
Fresh Red Snapper rest on ice Friday Dec. 15, 2023 at Eagle Island Fruit and Seafood fish market in Wilmington, N.C. KEN BLEVINS/STARNEWS

Why did Fort Meyers Beach make the list for best places for fishing for red snapper?

According to FishingBooker:

"Nestled on Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach offers a gorgeous coastal escape along the Gulf side and vibrant mangrove forests in Estero Bay. Renowned for its fishing, the local waters teem with diverse inshore species, while venturing offshore promises encounters with prized Red Snapper and other pelagic fish. Beyond fishing, outdoor enthusiasts can explore Lovers Key State Park, known for its natural beauty and frequent manatee sightings, making it an ideal destination for aquatic adventures.

The full unranked list of the 8 Best Red Snapper Fishing Spots in the Gulf of Mexico for 2024 is:

  • Fort Myers Beach, FL

  • Port Aransas, TX

  • Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, AL

  • Pensacola, FL

  • Venice, LA

  • Biloxi, MS

  • Port Lavaca, TX

  • Tampa, FL

When is the recreational red snapper fishing season in Florida?

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:

  • Florida’s 2024 private recreational Gulf red snapper season will open June 1 and run consecutively through July 31.

    • The season will reopen in the fall for 3-day weekends (Friday – Sunday) from Sept. 1 – Nov. 30. Harvest will also be allowed Labor Day (Sept. 2), Veterans Day (Nov. 11) and Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 28).  Specific fall weekend dates are listed below.

  • This season applies to recreational anglers fishing from private vessels in Florida Gulf state and federal waters. For-hire operations that do not have a federal reef fish permit may also participate in the season but are limited to fishing for red snapper in Florida Gulf state waters only.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Where are best places to catch red snapper in Florida