![]() Red Grouper - Bag Limit: 2įish must be at least 20 inches long in total length to harvest. The grouper species and respective bag limits that count toward the aggregate limit are: Black Grouper - Bag Limit: 4įish must be at least 24 inches long in total length to harvest. It is important to note that the aggregate bag limit also includes tilefish. Anglers may keep up to 4 grouper within the individual bag limits of each species. Gulf of Mexico Grouper Bag LimitsĪggregate bag limits are in place for grouper in the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf of Mexico Grouper Seasonįishing is closed beyond the 20-fathom break from February 1 through March 31 for the following species: - Black Grouper - Red Grouper - Scamp Grouper - Yellowfin Grouper - Yellowmouth Grouperįishing is still open year-round in state waters inside of the 20 fathom break. ![]() The gag grouper season is open from September 1 through November 10, 2023. Gag grouper are no longer managed regionally in Gulf of Mexico waters. Gag Grouper Season (State & Federal Waters) Anglers are urged to handle the fish with care and release it as quickly as possible. While anglers will occasionally catch one of these giant fish, harvest is prohibited. Nassau grouper are residents in both Gulf and Atlantic waters. Florida is the only state that allows the harvest of goliath grouper. The new season is open from March 1, to May 31, 2023. The slot limit for goliath grouper is between 24 and 36 inches. Each permit allows for the harvest of one goliath grouper and there are approximately 200 permits. The new rules require anglers to enter a lottery for a tag or permit. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has reopened goliath grouper fishing for the first time in 32 years. On the other end of the scale, gag grouper can frequently be found inshore near grass beds, mangroves, and holes. Offshore drop-offs and canyons have depths over 600 feet which hold the deep dwelling yellowedge grouper and tilefish. The ideal depth will vary depending on the species of grouper being targeted. ![]() Bottom structure including rock piles, reefs, wrecks, and ledges hold prey and provide cover for these ambush predators. When it comes to the preferred habitat, reefs in 50 to 300 feet of water are an ideal environment for a variety of grouper species. Some grouper species can be found as far south as Brazil. This range typically spans from North Carolina south into the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Ocean. Most of the grouper species in the Western Atlantic will inhabit temperate to tropical waters which have moderate temperatures throughout the year. The most common food sources for grouper are crustaceans, fish, and occasionally squid. While artificial lures and baits can work, bottom fishing with natural baits is particularly effective for these fish. Bottom fishing and in some cases deep dropping are the most effective methods to catch grouper. The large mouth and powerful gills of a grouper create a vacuum that sucks prey into their mouth in the blink of an eye. These fish are also opportunistic scavengers that wont pass up an easy meal. Grouper are stout predators that prefer to lie and wait rather than chase their prey. Their meat is white, mild, and flaky which is perfect for a variety of preparations. When it comes to table fare grouper are exceptional. The markings grouper have can range from spots, bars, and blotches to monotone and two tone color schemes. They range in size from several hundred pounds down to only a few pounds. ![]() Typically, grouper have stout bodies similar in shape to snapper and a large mouth for catching prey. Grouper is the name used to describe a diverse family of fish.
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