TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – It’s one of the crucial anticipated seasons of the 12 months for offshore anglers — American pink snapper season is formally open within the Gulf!
These prized fish draw anglers from throughout the nation, and for good motive. Whereas it takes a critical offshore journey to search out them, the reward is totally price it.
Amanda Holly joined Captain Ryan Amaturo with Reel Nauti Fishing Charters out of Tampa Bay to expertise it firsthand. Our day began early, cruising greater than 80 miles offshore in quest of deep water and large fish.
“They’re a really sought-after fish right here,” Capt. Amaturo mentioned. “Lots of people journey right here, and stay up for coming right here to catch these fish for the few months via {the summertime}.”
As soon as on location, it was time to rig up. Purple snapper aren’t choosy — they’ll go after the whole lot from squid to reside bait to beeliner filets throughout these summer season months.
“They’ll eat something after they’re hungry and fired up,” Capt. Amaturo defined.
Search for rocky backside or reef constructions, and look ahead to that telltale “Christmas tree” form in your fish finder — it often means they’re stacked up.
Purple snapper put up a memorable battle with their distinctive head shake, and as soon as they’re within the boat, you’ve obtained your self a recent, scrumptious dinner.
“The large fish are enjoyable to catch, however they don’t eat close to pretty much as good because the smaller ones,” Capt. Amaturo mentioned.
Amanda’s go-to recipe? Easy and attractive — bake it at about 350° with salt, pepper, and garlic powder till the meat simply flakes aside.
This 12 months’s season is longer than ever, with loads of alternatives, together with a number of vacation weekends.
The 2025 Gulf Purple Snapper listing of dates is as follows:
- Memorial Day Weekend: Might 24-26
- June 1-July 31
- September 1-14
- After Sept 14: Each Fri, Sat, & Solar via Christmas weekend
- Veterans Day: November 11
- Thanksgiving weekend: November 27-30
- Christmas Day
You do want a fishing license to catch and hold them; they should be a minimum of 16 inches lengthy, and you may hold two per particular person.
To contact Captain Ryan Amaturo with Reel Nauti Fishing Charters, yow will discover him on his Facebook page here or give him a name at (813) 928 – 6018!
