By Robert DeWittAnglers, charter fleets must adjust to red snapper regulations
ORANGE BEACH | With red snapper fishing regulations, change seems to be the norm. This year will be no exception.
'Part of the problem and frustration the anglers have is that the regulations are always changing,' said Kevin Anson, a state biologist who specializes in recreational fishing.
This year, federal regulators slashed the red snapper season by two months. The season won't open until June 1, more than a month later than usual, and it will close Sept. 30, a month late.
The limit is two fish 16 inches long or longer per person and the captain and crew aren't allowed to keep fish.
In addition, anglers will be required to use a non-stainless steel circle hooks to catch all reef fish. Conventional 'J' hooks will be outlawed for snapper, grouper, amberjack and other reef species.
Orange Beach's charter fleet has staked its reputation on red snapper. Much of the charter fleet virtually quits fishing when snapper season is out. Shortening the season by two months will hurt some charter captains.
But Rob Gams, owner and captain of the 42-foot charter boat Cool Breeze for 17 years, said it's something the charter industry must learn to adapt to.
'I think people are always going to go fishing,' Gams said. 'I think it's going to change the charter industry.'
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