Is red grouper season open in Florida?

NOAA Fisheries is announcing the closure of the Gulf of Mexico recreational red grouper season. The closure becomes effective September 15, 2021. This is the first time we have closed the recreational red grouper sector in-season since 2015. The season will reopen January 1, 2022.

Is grouper in season in the Gulf?

Gag grouper will open for recreational harvest in most state Gulf of Mexico waters and all federal Gulf waters June 1, and will remain open through Dec. 31. Franklin, Wakulla, Taylor and Jefferson counties opened April 1 and will remain open through June 30.

Did Florida lift the ban on goliath grouper?

Despite opposition from scientists and divers, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted yesterday to lift the ban on catching Goliath grouper, an embattled species that was nearly fished to extinction in the 1980s.

How much is a goliath grouper tag?

Anglers who want to catch a goliath would have to enter a lottery, paying $10. Florida residents drawn to receive a permit for one fish will pay $150, while nonresidents will pay $500. The harvest season will run from March 1 through May 31 and spearfishing of goliaths will be prohibited.

Is there a goliath grouper season in Florida?

A March 1 through May 31 season. Allowable gear will be hook-and-line only. A slot limit of 24 to 36 inches total length. Harvest would be permitted in all state waters except those of Martin County south through the Atlantic coast of the Keys, all of the St.

Is Florida opening a goliath grouper season?

At its March meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a limited, highly regulated recreational harvest of goliath grouper in state waters beginning Spring 2023.

Can you keep and eat a goliath grouper?

What to do when you’ve caught a goliath grouper? Harvest and possession has been prohibited in both state and federal waters off Florida since 1990. Must be immediately returned to the water free, alive and unharmed. Photographs can be taken but only during the active act of release.

What is the legal size for red grouper in Florida?

20″

GROUPER, RED
Minimum size limit:	20″ (total length)
Maximum size limit:	None
Closed season:	None
Daily recreation bag limit:	4 per harvester per day