Red Snapper Season Opens This Weekend In Florida

It's one of the most delicious deep sea delicacies in Florida, the Gulf red snapper season opens this weekend in Florida for select dates. The fall red snapper season for private recreational anglers and state for-hire operations in the Gulf of Mexico will be open on the following weekends: 

Private recreational anglers may harvest red snapper during these weekends in Gulf state and federal waters. However, state for-hire operations are limited to fishing for red snapper in Gulf state waters only. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will continue to monitor harvest relative to Florida’s available quota. 

In the event of rainy days impacting the number of fishing days, Florida will evaluate additional Gulf Red Snapper season dates to add later in the season. If you plan to fish for red snapper in state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, even if you are exempt from fishing license requirements, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal required) at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. 

If you're in Southwest Florida and looking for a spot to fish red snapper, you won't need to go far. Fort Myers Beach ranks as one of the top spots for red snapper fishing. There's plenty of fishing charters, or if you choose to go it alone, I'll suggest cigar minnows. You can harvest your own with a cast net, or find some at a nearby bait shop such as Master Bait and Tackle on Bonita Beach Road.

The best way to cook red snapper, is to keep it simple. Pan seared in butter with some Cajun seasoning. Serve it with some beans and rice. Steaming it with indirect heat wrapped in a banana leaf is pretty delicious, too.

It's a long holiday weekend for many people and travel might be in your forecast. However, if you are enjoying a staycation or simply staying home to chill, here are your latest Weekend Vibes to keep you up to date on where the fun is. Check out these 6 Southwest Florida Labor Day Weekend events.

It's a big weekend for boating, beaching, cooking out and and hanging out by the pool. Besides Labor Day, the weekend commenorates a famous musician, near and dear to many Floridians.

Parrot Heads already know this, but you don't have to be one to enjoy this kind of fun. August 30th is Jimmy Buffett Day in the state of Florida. There are all kinds of celebrations, special events, and even opportunities to give back in his honor.

Click here to find a few and scroll down for even more.

It's a sad weekend for local baseball fans. The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels are wrapping up their season. The final games are being played at Hammond Stadium with lots of fanfare and family fun. There will be fireworks, concerts, all kinds of giveaways and specials for the kids.

If you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Finally, here are your Weekend Vibes for August 30th through September 1st. Have fun at these 6 Southwest Florida Labor Day Weekend events.

*Please note, events are subject to change. Especially considering the weather. It never hurts to confirm with a phone call or a quick check of social media and event websites.

It's the 10th anniversary of this Cape Coral festival celebrating the savory, cured meat.Embark on a pub crawl to sample bacon inspired cocktails and appetizers at about a dozen restaurants and bars. For instance Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill has Lumberjack & Bacon Wrapped Cheesecake. Buy a passport, sample the goods then vote on your favorite. 

The festitivities are Saturday, 7pm to 11pm. Tickets are $25-$30, $20 for designated drivers. Check-in at Big John Plaza in downtown Cape Coral. More info here. 

The boys of summer are about to pack it up for the year.  They take on the Clearwater Threshers for the final games of the season. Friday is Kids Club night and also girls in sports and soccer night. Following the game there are fireworks. Saturday is Bark in the Park where well-behaved dogs are welcome. It's also country music night with a concert following the game. 

Finally, on Sunday, children 12 and under get in free. They also get to run the bases and play catch on the field. More info here.

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Jimmy Buffett Day takes place all weekend at Naples' Compass Hotel By Margaritaville. Play all kinds of yard games, enjoy a packed roster of live music, drink specials and room specials. JD Spradlin of Radio Margaritaville broadcasts live from 3-7 p.m. Sunday. Public is welcome. More info here. 

Friday is  Jimmy Buffett Day and the party kicks off with a visit from the Bird Gardens of Naples and non-stop live music. On Saturday,  JD Spradlin from Radio Margaritaville broadcasts live from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Up next is Taps Flow for H20 to benefit Calusa Waterkeepers. There is more music, food, craft beer tents,  games and prizes, among other things. Sunday features Jimmy Buffett Music Trivia, and more music. More info here.

The Shell Factory Nature Center and Fun Park in North Fort Myers is celebrating Jimmy Buffett Day with food and drinks inspired by the songs of Jimmy Buffett. Many of which will be performed live.  Friday, 3pm-8pm. Free. More info here.

Stellar Records celebrates its one-year anniversary with a punk-rock concert on Saturday. Enjoy the music of Except You, Dave! Ja! Vu!, Weird Times and Go Read Theory. The party starts at 7 p.m. at the store on U.S. 41 accross from Edison Mall. $10. More info here.