gag grouper
Gag grouper opens for recreational fishing in the Gulf of Mexico in Florida state and federal waters on July 1.
However the same day, the season will close in Florida state waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties. This includes all waters of Apalachicola Bay and Indian Pass, including those in Gulf County, and all waters of the Steinhatchee River, including those in Dixie County. This four-county region has been open to gag grouper fishing since April 1.
Gag grouper caught in state and federal waters during the July-through-October season may be taken ashore in Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties, but boats with gags aboard may not stop in and must have gear stowed while transiting the closed area.
The Gulf gag grouper season will remain open through October 31. Monroe County, comprising the Florida Keys, is excluded from the July-through-October open season because it is governed by Atlantic rules.
The gag grouper bag limit is two fish, minimum 22 inches, per person, within a total bag limit of four of any species of grouper. For more information visit www.MyFWC.com/Fishing.