Charter boats packed Destin’s Fishing Fleet Marina for the first day of Red Snapper season today.
In February, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted to shorten the recreational Red Snapper season from six months to three months.
Federal officials claim the Red Snapper population is being over fished.
The state season now coincides with the current snapper season in federally regulated gulf waters.
Since recreational Red Snapper fishing hasn't been legal for 7 months, Monday’s opening attracted fishermen from all over the southeast.
"We came from Alabama. We came down to go fishing for red snapper and we're glad the season has opened. It was beautiful weather out today," says Alabama resident Cameron Klinner.
Red Snapper season runs through September 30th.