The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced that the 2025 recreational gag grouper season for Gulf state waters will be open from September 1 to September 14. The season will close at 12:01 a.m. on September 15.
This decision was made through an executive order by the FWC, which aims to adjust the recreational season of gag grouper in Gulf state waters, excluding all state waters off Monroe County. The move is intended to prevent overfishing after exceeding quotas in 2024 and aligns with the recently announced season in adjacent federal waters.
Those intending to fish for gag grouper or other specific reef fish species in Gulf state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel must register for the State Reef Fish Angler Designation, which requires annual renewal. Participants may be selected to receive a mail survey as part of the State Reef Fish Survey.
The data collected from this survey is now utilized for managing Gulf gag grouper populations. By participating, anglers contribute to enhancing recreational fishing opportunities in Florida. More information about the State Reef Fish Survey can be found at MyFWC.com/SRFS.
For up-to-date regulations regarding recreational gag grouper fishing, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and navigate to “Recreational Regulations” and “Grouper.”
