Recreational gag grouper season to open Sept. 1–15 in Gulf of Mexico state waters

FWC biologist sampling a gag grouper in the area of the decommissioned U.S.S. Oriskany, sunk by the U.S. Navy off the coast of Pensacola, FL in May 2006 to be used as an artificial reef. Known as the Mighty-O, the U.S.S. Oriskany (CV-34) was the last Essex-class aircraft carrier built during World War II.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), August 28, 2024

Earlier in 2024, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued an executive order to modify the recreational season of gag grouper in Gulf of Mexico state waters, excluding all state waters off Monroe County. The 2024 Gulf gag grouper recreational season was modified to prevent overfishing, following the quota overage that occurred in 2023, and also to be consistent with the season in adjacent federal waters.

If you plan to fish for gag grouper or other specific reef fish species from a private recreational vessel in Gulf of Mexico state or federal waters, you must sign up for the State Reef Fish Angler Designation, which requires annual renewal. Learn more at this link: myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/state-reef-fish-survey/.

As a State Reef Fish Angler, you could be selected to receive a mail survey component of the State Reef Fish Survey. Data from the State Reef Fish Survey is now being used for Gulf gag grouper management, and by participating in the survey, you help improve the recreational fishing data that is used to provide optimum recreational fishing opportunities in Florida. To learn more about the State Reef Fish Survey, visit MyFWC.com/SRFS.

For current recreational gag grouper regulations, visit
myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/groupers.