There are more than 200 Grouper species worldwide, and Florida is home to several of the most popular ones. The Sunshine State and Grouper fishing are a match made in heaven, but that doesn’t mean you can fish your heart out whenever you want here! Let’s take a closer look at the different rules surrounding the Grouper fishing season in Florida.
Along with their availability and regulations, we’ll cover the best fishing spots and the most effective angling techniques. After all, if you want a bragging story, you must be familiar with the essentials of catching that trophy Grouper. So, without further ado, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of when and how to go after these brutes.
Grouper Season, Size, and Bag Limits
Florida is brimming with an incredible array of Grouper species. Gag, Red, Black, Goliath, Nassau, Scamp, Yellowedge, Snowy, Yellowmouth, Warsaw – the Sunshine State has them all! The first three, in particular, rank high on the prize catch list. Therefore, we’ll discuss them in more detail before diving into the seasonality for all Grouper species.
Gag Grouper Season in Florida
Gag Groupers are among the most wanted Grouper catches in Florida. Impressive-looking and even better-tasting, these beauties are among the most widespread Grouper species in Florida’s waters and average around 25 pounds.
When it comes to seasonality, Gag Groupers aren’t up for grabs throughout the entire year. On the contrary, they follow a strict season in state and federal waters in the Gulf. The season is so strict that it usually only runs for two weeks in September. The availability window is slightly longer on the Atlantic side, where the Gag Grouper season lasts a month and a half between May and June in both state and federal waters.
You can find Gags in the shallows and deeper waters, usually up to 60 feet down. They usually head for the depths when the temperatures rise, whereas cooler waters motivate them to come closer to the coast. Adults prefer the deeper waters, while juveniles swim nearer the shore.
Black Grouper Season in Florida
Black Groupers are on every angler’s radar in Florida. Their appeal lies in the fact that they make for excellent opponents and delicious dinners. What more could you ask for?
If size is what you had in mind – fret not! Black Groupers also check this category. They often exceed 180 pounds! Most specimens, however, are unlikely to reach three digits but even a 40-pounder is a sight to behold. All in all, you can’t go wrong with Black Groupers as your targets.
The great news is that you can pursue them year-round in state waters in the Gulf of Mexico. However, the closer you are to the shore, the smaller the Black Groupers are, as juveniles usually swim inshore. The same goes for state waters in the Atlantic. However, the Black Grouper season in Atlantic state waters runs from May through December.
If you’re after bigger specimens, head offshore to spots with rocky bottoms, such as reefs and drop-off walls. Just don’t forget that the Black Grouper season in the Gulf’s federal waters is closed between February and March, and between January and April in the Atlantic.
Red Grouper Season in Florida
If you haven’t fished for Red Groupers before, it’s high time you tested your skills against these bottom-dwellers. Red Groupers are opportunistic feeders and ambush predators. They’ll aggressively snatch the prey before any other species can even notice it. And when hooked, they won’t go down without a fight. In other words, Red Groupers are the challengers you’ve been waiting for.
The good news is that the season kicks off right away! If you’re impatient and can’t wait to cast your line, you can go Red Grouper fishing as early as January 1. They’re available for recreational angling in the Gulf of Mexico from January through June. And if you want to keep perfecting your Red Grouper bottom fishing skills, you can continue pursuing them in the Atlantic between May and December. The season is the same for both state and federal waters.
Red Groupers are known as “shallow-water Groupers,” meaning they frequent the inshore fisheries, as they feel most at home in depths of around 10 feet. Like Black and Gag Groupers, juvenile Reds rule the shallow grass beds while adults dominate the ledges and other nearshore structures.
Grouper Season in Florida
By now, you’ve realized that each Grouper has its own season and that state and federal waters don’t always overlap. To help you plan your Grouper fishing trip in Florida, we created an overview of the most common species in the Sunshine State (including Black, Gag, and Red Groupers) and their availability for this year. Here’s what you can expect in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean:
Open Grouper Seasons in the Gulf of Mexico for 2024
| Black | Coney | Gag | Red | Rock Hind | Scamp | Snowey | Yellowfin | Yellowmouth | Yellowedge | Warsaw | |
| State Waters | Year-round | Year-round | Sep 1 – Sep 15 | Jan 1 – Jun 30 | Year-round | Year-round | Year-round | Year-round | Year-round | Year-round | Year-round |
| Federal Waters | *April 1- Jan 31 | Year-round | Sep 1 – Sep 15 | Jan 1 – Jun 30 | Year-round | *April 1- Jan 31 | Year-round | *April 1- Jan 31 | April 1- Jan 31 | Year-round | Year-round |
* The federal season is closed from Feb 1 to March 31, seaward of 20 fathoms. “The Edges” area is closed from Jan 1 to Apr 30.
Open Grouper Seasons in the Atlantic for 2024
| Black | Coney | Gag | Red | Rock Hind | Scamp | Snowey | Yellowfin | Yellowmouth | Yellowedge | Warsaw | |
| State Waters | May 1 – Dec 31 | May 1 – Dec 31 | May 1 – June 14 | May 1 – Dec 31 | May 1 – Dec 31 | May 1 – Dec 31 | Year-round | May 1 – Dec 31 | May 1 – Dec 31 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Federal Waters | May 1 – Dec 31 | May 1 – Dec 31 | May 1 – June 14 | May 1 – Dec 31 | May 1 – Dec 31 | May 1 – Dec 31 | Year-round | May 1 – Dec 31 | May 1 – Dec 31 | Year-round | Prohibited |
Grouper Catch Limit
Whenever a species is in high demand, there’s a threat of overfishing. To prevent that from happening, the authorities have introduced strict bag restrictions for Groupers. So, besides knowing when you’re allowed to fish for these prized fish, you must know how many you can actually keep.
Whether you’re angling in the Gulf or the Atlantic, you must respect the aggregate bag limit. The aggregate bag limit states how many different Groupers a person may possess and/or harvest during a day. Here’s a quick breakdown of the daily catch limit per person in both the state and federal waters of the Gulf and the Atlantic:
Grouper Catch Limits in the Gulf of Mexico for 2024
| Black | Coney | Gag | Red | Rock Hind | Scamp | Snowey | Yellowfin | Yellowmouth | Yellowedge | Warsaw | |
| State Waters | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Federal Waters | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
Grouper Catch Limits in the Atlantic for 2024
| Black | Coney | Gag | Red | Rock Hind | Scamp | Snowey | Yellowfin | Yellowmouth | Yellowedge | Warsaw | |
| State Waters | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Federal Waters | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | Prohibited |
Grouper Size Limit
Even if you’ve nailed the timing and don’t look like reaching your bag limit, you’ll have to release your Grouper if it’s too small. Some species, such as Yellowedge, Warsaw, or Coney, don’t have size restrictions, but others adhere to strict size policies. The table below outlines the minimum harvest size per species, which overlap in both state and federal waters:
| Black | Coney | Gag | Red | Rock Hind | Scamp | Snowey | Yellowfin | Yellowmouth | Yellowedge | Warsaw | |
| The Gulf | 24″ | No limit | 24″ | 20″ | No limit | 16″ | No limit | 20″ | 20″ | No limit | No limit |
| The Atlantic | 24″ | No limit | 24″ | 20″ | No limit | 20″ | No limit | 20″ | 20″ | No limit | State: No limit Federal: Prohibited |
Other Grouper Regulations
First and foremost, having a valid saltwater fishing license is a must when fishing for Groupers in Florida. For more details on how to purchase your license, take a look at our Florida fishing license article.
If you’re wondering why we haven’t mentioned Nassau and Goliath Groupers yet, the reason is that they’re in a category of their own. Both species are protected even more than the usual Grouper species. That means possession and harvesting are strictly forbidden. Unlike Nassau Groupers, Goliaths can be targeted with a special permit, but they’re strictly catch-and-release. So, if these giants appear at the end of your line, make sure to set them free unharmed.
Last but not least, if you’re planning to go on a Grouper fishing hunt, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with some reef fish gear requirements such as what hooks and de-hooking tools are allowed.
Best Grouper Fishing Spots in Florida
You can wet your line almost anywhere in the Sunshine State and a jaw-dropping Grouper may grace the end of your line. And no, we’re not exaggerating, we’re probably selling Florida’s Grouper angling opportunities short! There’s no place on the planet that’s as productive as Florida for Grouper fishing. The odds of landing a trophy fish here are well in your favor.
However, if you’re fishing here for the first time and need a nudge in the right direction, look at the hotspots we’ve handpicked for you below. The following locations are famous for their Grouper population and deep sea fishing charter offer.
The Gulf of Mexico
- The Florida Panhandle. With almost 200 miles of coastline, pristine beaches, shiny white sand, and emerald waters, the Florida Panhandle is a safe haven for vacationers. But this area is also a mecca for Grouper fishing fans. Pensacola, Destin, and Panama City, in particular, are renowned for their bottom fishing trips.
- Crystal River. This coastal city secured its place on the world’s map as a manatee sanctuary. And we put it on a pedestal as a top shallow-water Gag Grouper fishery. Gags are prized catches here and you don’t have to venture far to find them. You can find them close to shore in waters as shallow as 10 feet deep.
- Tampa Bay. During the cooler months, you’ll find Groupers coming inshore to the famous Tampa Bay. They’ll meander between rocky structures, so try your hand at Grouper fishing around the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. If you’re after the prime specimens, head to nearby Madeira Beach, often referred to as the “Grouper fishing capital of the world.”
The Gulf and the Atlantic
- The Florida Keys. No region in Florida can brag about fishing opportunities as much as the Florida Keys. And the same goes for Grouper fishing! The unique location of the Keys allows you to tap into both the Gulf and the Atlantic’s waters, and unlock the pathway to Grouper heaven. Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West are the ultimate Grouper fishing spots you should not miss out on.
The Atlantic
- Miami. We can’t wrap up this line-up without mentioning several gems on the east coast of Florida. Miami is a premier Grouper fishing spot, being abundant in reefs, wrecks, ledges, and drop-offs. So, if you’re up for exploring depths up to 400 feet, Miami is your starting point to land a monster Grouper.
- Fort Lauderdale. The entire Fort Lauderdale area is suitable for Groupers because its fisheries are filled with rocky structures. Plus, the nearby reefs and wrecks are perfect for exciting bottom fishing trips. Naturally, a Grouper angling adventure in Fort Lauderdale guarantees rod-bending action with full coolers and sore backs.
- Daytona Beach. Last but not least, you can also kick off your Grouper angling experience in Daytona Beach. Its nearshore waters are home to huge artificial reef systems, including shipwrecks, bridge rubbles, barges, and other concrete structures that provide excellent food opportunities and hiding spots for bottom-dwelling creatures such as Groupers.
How to Catch Grouper in Florida
The first step to landing a Grouper in Florida is to know the seasons. The second step is knowing where to look for them. Then, you’ll also need to understand what type of bait to prepare, how to present it, and what angling techniques to employ.
Groupers spend their lives on the sea bed seeking shelter and food. This means that you’ll have to serve them dinner along the bottoms. They prefer live bait such as shrimp, crabs, and squid, but they’ll fall for well-presented jigs, too.
When we say “well-presented,” we mean it. It’s not enough to only lower your bait with a sinker and wait for them to grab it – you have to bounce it off and imitate their real prey.
The most effective and popular angling technique is bottom fishing with a sinker and a heavy rod. Besides bottom fishing, slow-pitch jigging, freelining, and deep-dropping are common methods. To learn more on how to land these bottom-dwellers, read our guide on how to go Grouper fishing.
It’s Always Grouper Season in the Sunshine State!
Whenever you go Grouper fishing in Florida, you won’t end up empty-handed. However, if you want to increase your chances of catching the exact species you had in mind, it’s good to know when and how to target them. Remember, it’s illegal to fish for Groupers outside their dedicated season so always make sure to double-check the rules and regulations surrounding your Grouper hunt. Tight lines!
What season do you think is best for Grouper fishing in Florida? Do you have any Grouper-related questions we didn’t answer? Hit the comment button below to ask us anything or share your thoughts with us.
The post Grouper Season in Florida: The Complete Guide for 2024 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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