Red Snapper Carcass Collection
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will collect Red Snapper carcasses from recreational fishermen during the Red Snapper mini-season. The division has set up four temporary cooler locations in addition to the eleven carcass collection locations available throughout the year, where recreational fishermen can donate their Red Snapper carcasses. Learn more about what the division does with the carcasses on the Carcass Collection Program webpage.
The 2023 recreational Red Snapper season will open for two days – Friday and Saturday July 14-15. The season officially opens at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 14 and closes at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, July 16.
Anglers may keep one fish per person per day. There will be no minimum or maximum size limit. Captain and crew on for-hire vessels may retain the recreational bag limit. Anglers who donate a Red Snapper carcass will receive a citation (certificate) from the N.C. Saltwater Fishing Tournament.
The temporary locations are:
- Bridge Tender Marina, 1418 Airlie Rd, Wilmington
- Carolina Beach Municipal Docks, Carl Winner Dr, Carolina Beach
- Capt. Stacy Fishing Center, 416 Atlantic Beach Causeway, Atlantic Beach
- Carolina Princess Headboat Dock, 604 Evans St, Morehead City
Red Snapper Open Limited Season (Proclamation FF-27-2023)
NOAA Fisheries Announces Gear Modifications for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery
Freezer Locations
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More Information
Red Snapper
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Vermilion Snapper
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Step 1: Once back to the dock, fillet your fish. If you are part of a charter or headboat party please let your fish cleaner know you’d like to donate your carcass.
Step 2: Keep the head and tail intact and, if possible, leave the guts in the fish. This is important to the biologist collecting data.
Step 3: While your catch is still fresh, take the carcass to the nearest donation location.
Step 4: All of the needed supplies are found inside of the Carcass Collection freezers. Use a pencil to fill out the provided carcass card in full. Please include as much information about your trip and number of species harvested as possible.
Step 5: Place the fish carcass or carcasses and the completed catch card into the plastic bags provided. If more than one bag is needed, please include a catch card in each bag.
Step 6: Tie the bag closed, and place your closed bag in the collection freezer.