NOAA Approves Red Snapper EFP, Two-Month Season Set for 2026

Georgia anglers will soon have more time on the water targeting one of the South Atlantic's most sought-after saltwater fish.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Coastal Resources Division (CRD) today announced the launch of the Georgia Red Snapper Project, a new initiative that will expand recreational fishing opportunities for red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) in federal waters off the Georgia coast, while improving data needed to sustain those opportunities into the future.

For the last 15 years, federal red snapper seasons have been limited to just a few days per year due to data uncertainty. Under this new project, Georgia anglers will have the opportunity to fish for red snapper during a two-month season in 2026, scheduled for July and August.

"This is a major step forward for Georgia anglers," said Doug Haymans, CRD Director. "For years, access to red snapper has been extremely limited. This project gives anglers a real opportunity-two full months, to enjoy red snapper fishing."

The project is being implemented through a federal Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) that Georgia requested from the U.S. Secretary of Commerce in November 2025. The EFP allows Georgia to bypass federal regulations for 2026. If Georgia can show it can collect better data, the EFP could possibly be extended for two additional years. Three other Southeast states, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida, collaborated with Georgia in their own EFP applications.

Together, the states seek to test new approaches for collecting more accurate, real-time recreational fishing data on red snapper.

Under the Georgia Red Snapper Project:

• Recreational anglers will have a two-month red snapper season in federal waters off Georgia beginning July 1, 2026, and ending Aug. 31, 2026
• Anglers may keep one fish per person per day
• There is no minimum size per fish
• All participating anglers must register their trips prior to departure using a free mobile or desktop app soon to be available
• Anglers must report their catch within 24 hours
• More information, including how-to videos and the downloadable app will be available soon

Mandatory reporting is a critical component of the project. Anglers will create a trip ticket before departing for their fishing trip (up to five days in advance) and report harvested and released fish within 24 hours. An angler can expect to spend just a few minutes sending a report.

"This opportunity comes with a responsibility," Haymans said "If anglers want longer, more reliable seasons, we need better data-and that comes directly from them. Reporting through the app is how anglers can help shape the future of red snapper fishing in Georgia."

The app will provide real-time information that fisheries managers will use to improve data quality and reduce uncertainty-two key factors that have historically led to extremely short seasons.

By pairing increased access with improved reporting, the Georgia Red Snapper Project aims to demonstrate that longer, more stable seasons are achievable when high-quality data are available.

The initiative is supported by a $300,000 grant from Yamaha Rightwaters, a conservation program from Yamaha Motors focused on sustaining marine resources and recreational fishing opportunities.

"This is a meaningful step toward better access and better data, which could ultimately lead to significantly extended fishing windows in all three states. It's a big change from the very limited seasons experienced over the past decade," said Joshua Grier, Sustainability Program Manager, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. "By supporting real-time reporting and state-led management approaches, Yamaha Rightwaters can help improve sustainable fishing opportunities for anglers across the South Atlantic."

"This is an exciting opportunity for Georgia anglers. While we acknowledge the anticipation, the rollout of the Georgia Red Snapper Project will come in phases. Look for a detailed website to go live May 15. CRD encourages all offshore anglers planning to harvest red snapper in 2026 to stay tuned," Haymans said.

About the Coastal Resources Division

The mission of the Coastal Resources Division is to balance coastal development and protection of the coast's natural assets, socio-cultural heritage and recreational resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Media Contact

Tyler Jones
Public Information Officer
Coastal Resources Division
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
[email protected]
912-230-9709

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