Learn more about and enjoy some awesome fishing for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Gulf red snapper population is currently at a very low level (overfished). Managers do not currently have enough data to determine the population size of South Atlantic red snapper. Both red snapper populations are being harvested at too high a rate (overfishing).

In January 2008, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service implemented long-term regulations to address overfishing and bycatch in the Gulf of Mexico red snapper and shrimp fisheries. These measures include revising the rebuilding plan, reducing the total allowable catch (TAC) of red snapper to 5 million pounds, limiting recreational harvest with a 2 fish daily bag limit and shorter fishing season, prohibiting for-hire (charter) captain and crew from having a bag limit, modifying commercial minimum size limits and establishing gear requirements to reduce bycatch, and implementing measures to constrain shrimp harvest should red snapper bycatch reduction targets not be met.

Find a seasoned charter captain or saltwater fishing guide and go catch a few of these amazing fish. Not only are they a blast to catch, they are also very delicious to eat.

• red snapper