The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries announced on May 8 that a new FAQ resource is available to answer questions about the upcoming Red Snapper season. The FAQ list can be found on the division’s Red Snapper Season webpage and addresses common concerns for anglers ahead of the season opening.
This information is important as North Carolina is participating in a pilot project to monitor the Red Snapper fishery using near real-time data collection. The state, along with three others in the Southeast, received an Exempted Fishing Permit from NOAA Fisheries to test this approach during the 2026 season, which will run for 62 days from July 1 through August 31.
According to the division, private recreational anglers must use the VESL mobile application to record their harvest and discard information if they wish to participate in this year’s Red Snapper season. “Private recreational anglers must use the VESL app to record their Red Snapper harvest and discard information to participate in the 2026 Red Snapper season. For-hire operations who qualify must have a current federal permit and record their harvest and discard information through their appropriate reporting program.” Charter and headboat operators need a valid federal Charter Vessel/Headboat Snapper Grouper Permit held at any time during calendar year 2025 in order to qualify for participation.
The division clarified that only hook-and-line gear may be used during this open season; gigging or spearing red snapper is not permitted. There are no size limits for red snapper this year. Bag limits are set at one fish per person or four fish per vessel for private recreational anglers and charter boats (whichever is more restrictive), while headboats may keep one fish per person or up to twenty fish per vessel under similar restrictions.
Charter and headboat owners/operators must fill out an online request form to receive a copy of the Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) required for participation, while private anglers can access it through the VESL app. The pilot project does not impact commercial red snapper management but focuses solely on recreational fishing practices.
The initiative receives support from Yamaha Rightwaters through a $300,000 grant aimed at sustaining marine resources and promoting responsible recreational fishing opportunities. The Division of Marine Fisheries said it will update its FAQ page as needed throughout the open season.
