Grouper closures to start in Gulf, Atlantic waters
Gag grouper closed to recreational harvest in Gulf state and federal waters on Jan. 1.
The same day, several species of grouper will also close to recreational and commercial harvest in Atlantic state waters and all state waters off Monroe County. It includes gag, black, red, yellowmouth, and yellowfin grouper; scamp; red hind; rock hind; coney; and graysby. A similar closure will also occur in Atlantic federal waters.
For gag grouper, state waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Taylor and Jefferson counties will reopen to harvest on April 1 through June 30 and Sept. 1 through Dec. 31. All other Gulf state waters — except waters off of Monroe County, which follows the Atlantic state season — and all Gulf federal waters will reopen on June 1 through Dec. 31.
In the Atlantic and state waters of Monroe County, the grouper closure ends on April 30, and harvest will reopen on May 1.
Grouper information, including Atlantic and Gulf grouper regulations, is available online. Go to MyFWC.com/Fishing and select “Saltwater Fishing” then “Recreational Regulations” and “Groupers.”