Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter announced on May 4 that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries has issued four exempted fishing permits to state agencies in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, allowing for an extended red snapper season.
The decision is significant for recreational anglers in Georgia and neighboring states who have faced restrictive federal regulations on red snapper fishing. According to the Congressional Sportsmen Foundation, current policies limiting access are unnecessary due to record-high red snapper populations.
Georgia’s new recreational red snapper season will run from July 1 to August 31. Carter said, “As Co-Chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I’m proud to have tirelessly advocated for this win and am thrilled to bring home a proper red snapper fishing season to Georgia’s outdoorsmen and women.” He added, “Representing over 100 miles of pristine coastline, I grew up understanding that Georgia’s anglers are the experts best equipped to set conservation and fishing policies that protect fish stocks and our way of life, not Washington bureaucrats. I applaud President Trump and his use of common-sense governing, protecting anglers’ right to reasonably harvest and properly manage our resources.”
Other members of Congress also welcomed the announcement. Rep. John H. Rutherford said, “Friday’s announcement is a significant and long-overdue victory for Florida’s anglers… This expanded recreational red snapper season reflects a data-driven approach that recognizes both the strength of the red snapper population and its importance to Florida’s economy and our way of life.” Rep. David Rouzer stated that approving all state permits marks “a major step forward for North Carolina’s fishermen and coastal businesses,” while Rep. Russell Fry called it “a huge, long-overdue win for South Carolina’s fishermen.” Doug Haymans from Georgia DNR highlighted new responsibilities: “This EFP gives anglers a real opportunity—two full months—to enjoy red snapper fishing… if anglers want longer seasons we need better data—and that comes directly from them.”
Buddy Carter is currently serving in the U.S. Congress representing Georgia’s 1st district after replacing Jack Kingston in 2015 according to official records.
Carter has won several general elections since first running for Congress: In 2014 he defeated Brian Reese with nearly 61% of votes; in subsequent elections he defeated Lisa Ring (57.8% in 2018), Joyce Griggs (58.35% in 2020), Wade Herring (59.15% in 2022), and Patti Hewitt (62% in 2024).
Haymans noted that further details about reporting requirements will be released soon as part of a phased rollout with more information available on May 15.
