The private recreational angler red snapper season will open Saturday, June 1st. 2019 for a projected 97 days in Federal waters. Red snapper season is open year round in State waters.The season length is based on historical data, last year's fishing effort data and the increase in the state's allocation from the 2018 stock assessment .Bag and size limits will remain unchanged; 2 fish per person daily with a 16 inch minimum size limit in federal waters. and 4 fish per person daily with a 15 inch minimum in state waters.

Are there not many red snapper in state waters? I have always been curious why it is such a big deal. I am ignorant to offshore fishing and have always wondered if it was the depth or lack of structure in state waters.

It's actually both in state waters, that and the easy access for most boats to state water. The Texas coast is really shallow in most places, with it being deeper the further south you go. Freeport has water in the 70ft range within state waters and with Galveston, you have to be out 25 miles for that depth.
The panhandle of Florida is pretty deep close to shore and there are hundreds, if not thousands of wrecks/reefs within state waters.

ok I understand now. thanks for taking the time to explain it.

Snapper are abundant both in State and Federal waters. Typically the fish are more abundant in Federal waters right now and they are often bigger. There are so many out there that they are taking over traditional vermillion snapper areas. It should be a good snapper year if the weather allows.

Never had much luck in state waters during peak fishing season around Rockport or Corpus. Federal waters produce big snapper 40 to 60 miles out. Some friends have good luck close in during winter months but I never go out off season.