Grouper fishing in Florida is regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to ensure the sustainability of grouper populations. This comprehensive guide covers the minimum size limits, daily recreational bag limits, and closed seasons for various grouper species in both the Gulf and Atlantic waters of Florida.
Minimum Size Limits for Grouper in Florida
Atlantic Grouper
- Gag and Black Grouper: 24 inches
- Red, Scamp, Yellowfin, and Yellowmouth Grouper: 20 inches
- Snowy Grouper, Warsaw, and Speckled Hind: No minimum size limit
- Other Groupers (Rock Hind, Red Hind, Coney, Graysby, Misty, and Yellowedge): No minimum size limit
Gulf Grouper
- Gag and Black Grouper: 24 inches
- Red, Scamp, Yellowfin, and Yellowmouth Grouper: 20 inches
- Snowy Grouper, Warsaw, and Speckled Hind: No minimum size limit
- Other Groupers (Rock Hind, Red Hind, Coney, Graysby, Misty, and Yellowedge): No minimum size limit
Daily Recreational Bag Limits for Grouper in Florida
Atlantic Grouper
- 1 per harvester (only 1 fish can be gag or black)
- 3 per harvester for other species (except snowy grouper)
- 1 per vessel for snowy grouper
Gulf Grouper
- 4 per harvester (aggregate bag limit)
- 2 per harvester for gag, black, and red grouper
- 1 per vessel for Warsaw and Speckled Hind
Closed Seasons for Grouper Fishing in Florida
Atlantic Grouper
- Gag Grouper: Closed June 15–December 31
- Black Grouper: Closed January 1–April 30
- Red Grouper: Closed January 1–April 30
- Scamp Grouper: Closed January 1–April 30
- Snowy Grouper: Closed February 25–April 30
Gulf Grouper
- Gag Grouper: Open year-round
- Black Grouper: Open year-round
- Red Grouper: Open year-round
- Scamp Grouper: Open year-round
- Snowy Grouper: Open year-round
Additional Regulations for Grouper Fishing in Florida
Gear Restrictions
- Spearing is prohibited for grouper.
- Multiple hooks with live or dead natural bait are prohibited.
- State Reef Fish Angler designation is required for select reef fish species in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean.
For-Hire Vessels
- Zero bag limit for captain and crew applies to Gulf gag, black, and red grouper.
Grouper fishing in Florida is a popular and regulated activity, with specific rules in place to ensure the long-term sustainability of these important species. By understanding the minimum size limits, daily bag limits, and closed seasons, anglers can enjoy their grouper fishing experiences while contributing to the conservation of these valuable marine resources.
References
- https://www.eregulations.com/florida/fishing/saltwater/grouper
- https://www.releaseboatworks.com/florida-grouper-season-opens/
- https://www.sitd.us/files/278e41ec1/FWC%2BSaltwater%2BFishing%2BRegulations_July%2B2020_QUICK%2BGUIDE.pdf
- https://myfwc.com/news/all-news/grouper-224/