Red Snapper Season Opening May 22nd
Red Snapper season open for Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo
The opening of red snapper season is one of the most anticipated times of the year along the Gulf
Coast, and anglers across the region are gearing up for another exciting summer on the water.
Alabama state waters and federal waters will officially open to private and state-licensed charter
vessel anglers for red snapper harvest beginning Friday, May 22, 2026.
For federally permitted for-hire reef fish vessels, the 2026 season will open June 1, 2026, and
continue through October 26, 2026, giving charter captains and offshore anglers 147 days to
target one of the Gulf’s most popular fish species.
As anglers prepare to hit the water for snapper season, the Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo is giving
competitors the perfect opportunity to put their fishing skills to the test. Red snapper will be one
of the featured categories in the tournament, allowing anglers the chance to weigh in impressive
catches while competing for prizes, bragging rights, and cash payouts.
The Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo takes place June 5 th -7 th , 2026, at the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill
Beach Area and includes over 30 fishing categories for anglers of all ages. Along with the
standard tournament divisions, competitors can also participate in several optional Competitive
Angler Divisions for additional cash payouts and championship prizes.
One of the most exciting competitive divisions during snapper season is the Flora-Bama Red
Snapper Jackpot. For an additional $100 per team, anglers can compete for a payout pool where
90% of all entries are paid back to winners. Payouts are divided between 1st place - 50%, 2nd
place - 30%, and 3rd place - 20%. Winners are determined by the single largest red snapper
entered by weight.
Additional Competitive Angler Divisions include:
• Flora-Bama Trash Can Slam Championship – additional $20 per adult angler / $10 per
junior angler. Winners are determined by the largest aggregate weight of one gafftopsail catfish,
one ladyfish, and one bluefish.
• Flora-Bama Speckled Trout Championship – additional $25, $50, and $100 buy-in options
available with payouts to the top three places.
• Flora-Bama King Mackerel Championship – additional $250 per team entry with payouts
awarded to the top teams.
• Flora-Bama Offshore Slam Championship – additional $1,000 per team buy-in with winners
determined by the highest aggregate point total based on dolphin (mahi mahi), wahoo, tuna, and
swordfish catches.
Beyond the competition, the Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo brings together anglers, families, and
friends for a full weekend of live music, waterfront views, food, drinks, vendor booths, and
unforgettable memories in true Flora-Bama fashion.
Whether you are heading offshore chasing trophy snapper, competing in the jackpot divisions, or
simply enjoying the excitement of snapper season returning to the Gulf, the 2026 Flora-Bama
Fishing Rodeo is the place to be. We’ll see y’all on the line!
View the Official Rules HERE:
Register for Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo HERE:
