Grouper fishing reopens May 1 in Atlantic and Monroe County waters

Contact: Amanda Nalley, 850-487-0554

Grouper fishing reopens May 1 in Atlantic and 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 three miles out.

The harvest of these species of grouper will remain open through Jan. 1, 2013. The harvest closure was put in place to ensure the long-term sustainability of Atlantic grouper species.

Recreational anglers targeting these species cannot take more than three grouper per person per day. Within this three-fish limit, anglers can only possess one gag or black grouper (not both). The captain and crew of for-hire vessels are not allowed to keep any grouper.

Dehooking tools are required to be aboard commercial and recreational vessels for use as needed to remove hooks from Atlantic reef fish.

More information is available online for grouper bag and size limits, gear restrictions and fishing seasons, including Gulf of Mexico grouper regulations. Go to MyFWC.com/Fishing and select “Saltwater” then “Recreational Regulations” and “Atlantic Grouper.”