Florida Grouper Fishing Reopens May 1 in Atlantic, Monroe County Waters
Anglers targeting grouper in Florida state waters of the Atlantic, including Monroe County, will be able to take some of their catch home starting May 1, when the season reopens to harvest. Species included in the recreational and commercial opening are gag, black, red, yellowmouth, yellowfin and tiger grouper; scamp; red hind; rock hind; coney; and graysby. State waters in the Atlantic are from shore to 3 miles out.
The harvest of these species of grouper will remain open until Jan. 1, 2014. The harvest closure was put in place to ensure the long-term sustainability of Atlantic grouper species.
Recreational anglers targeting these species may not take more than three grouper per person per day. Within this three-fish limit, anglers may possess only one gag or black grouper (not both). The captain and crew of for-hire vessels are not allowed to keep any grouper.
Dehooking tools must be aboard commercial and recreational vessels for use as needed to remove hooks from Atlantic reef fish.
More information about grouper bag and size limits, gear restrictions and fishing seasons, including Gulf of Mexico grouper regulations is available online at MyFWC.com/Fishing, select “Saltwater Fishing” then “Recreational Regulations” and “Groupers.”