JUNE 2026 Backwater Fishing Report

Judge Halts Expanded Atlantic Red Snapper Season

Florida’s proposed expansion of the Atlantic red snapper season was halted just hours before opening day after a federal judge issued an injunction blocking a controversial agreement between southeastern states and NOAA Fisheries.

The dispute centers on Florida’s effort to manage recreational red snapper fishing in federal Atlantic waters through an Exempted Fishing Permit program approved earlier this month by NOAA. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the expanded season would allow anglers 39 fishing days in 2026, including a May 22-June 20 season and additional weekends in October.

State officials argued red snapper populations off Florida’s East Coast have rebounded significantly and said federal regulations are overly restrictive for recreational anglers. Florida leaders also pointed to the Gulf Coast model, where states have greater authority over red snapper management.

However, commercial fishing organizations and environmental groups filed suit in federal court, claiming the expanded season violated federal fisheries law and could threaten the long-term recovery of Atlantic red snapper stocks. A federal judge in Washington sided with the plaintiffs and temporarily suspended the permits for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina pending further litigation.

According to NOAA Fisheries, federal Atlantic waters remain closed to recreational red snapper harvest while the case proceeds. Limited fishing in Florida state waters is still allowed under existing regulations.

The issue has become a major flashpoint in the broader debate over state versus federal control of fisheries management and balancing conservation efforts with recreational fishing access.

Sources: Associated Press reporting, NOAA Fisheries, Office of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Photos by: PATRICK “TUPAT” EICHSTAEDT | @THEREALTUPAT

Best Days to Fish in June:  1 - 2, 6 - 7, 12 - 17, 21 - 23, 28 - 30

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