The 2019 red snapper season started on June 1 and will run through Aug. 1 in federal waters. Now is the time to book a trip on one of several commercial businesses operating out of South Padre Island.
Known as head boats, these vessels are leaving every day for half- or full-day trips weather permitting until the end of the season. Among them are Captain Murphy’s Charter, Osprey Cruises and Breakaway Cruises charter services.
Each trip costs anywhere from $65 to $100, depending on the hours. These head boat operators will also make deep sea fishing trips if a boat has enough anglers and/or weather permitting.
The red snapper season in federal waters attracts fishing enthusiasts who enjoy eating the tasty fish, which is one of the most expensive seafood items at the supermarket.
The fishing limit is two fish per person with a 16-inch minimum size in federal waters. This compares to four fish with a 15-inch minimum size in state waters. However, larger snappers are usually caught in federal waters during the early days of the season.
The federally-regulated season is a boom for head boat operators as they capitalize on the tourist season which began Memorial Day weekend. Anglers from all the country and from as far as Monterrey, Mexico, come to the Island to fish for red snapper this time of year.