Last day of season July 16

The federal and state recreational red snapper season in Gulf of Mexico waters has been extended six days. The season will close July 17, with the last day of the season being July 16.

NOAA Fisheries decided to extend the season because bad weather in June led to decreased fishing opportunities. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) decided to go consistent with any federal season increases at its June 28 meeting in Palm Beach Gardens.

The FWC had originally set the 2012 season to June 1 through July 10 at its May Commission meeting.

Florida state waters in the Gulf extend from shore to nine nautical miles; federal waters extend beyond that line to 200 nautical miles.

More information about red snapper fishing, including changes to the 2012 season, is available online at MyFWC.com/Fishing (click on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and then “Gulf Red Snapper”).