Gag Grouper Season Opens Monday!

Saltwater Nation: Florida

This past February, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission set the 2013 gag grouper season and regulations. Recreational fishermen can harvest gag grouper in Gulf state waters (excluding Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor and Monroe) from July 1, 2013 through December 3, 2013. The season will close December 4, 2013.

Anglers can keep 1 gag per harvester per day in the Atlantic and in Monroe County; in Gulf waters, excluding Monroe County, anglers may keep 2 gags per angler per day.

Fish must be 24 inches in Atlantic waters and in Monroe County and 22 inches in Gulf waters excluding Monroe County.

Likewise, no more than 1 fish may be Gag or Black Grouper, either individually or in combination in Atlantic & Monroe County. Included within the 3 per harvester per day (Atlantic & Monroe County) and 4 per harvester per day (Gulf excluding Monroe County) Grouper aggregate bag limit. All grouper species in Atlantic and Monroe Counties — zero bag and possession limit for captain and crew on for-hire vessels. Red, Black and Gag Grouper — Gulf (excluding Monroe County) zero daily bag and possession limit for captain and crew on for-hire vessels.

For more information regarding gag grouper regulations, see:

http://www.eregulations.com/florida/fishing/saltwater/saltwater-fishing-regulations/

and http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/groupers/gulf-grouper/gag-grouper/