New regulations: Planning on going to the Gulf this winter for some grouper fishing? Think again! An “interim rule” put into effect August 9th, 2005 by the National Marine Fisheries Service reduces the Gulf of Mexico daily recreational bag limit of red grouper to one fish and the overall grouper bag to three; and closes the recreational grouper fishery for all grouper from November 1 through December 31, 2005. The FWC has basically agreed to the reduced limits but vehemently opposes the closed season. CoastalConservation Association has filed suit against the closed season, citing that the NMFS “interim rule” power is only applicable to “overfished” species. Red grouper are not classified as “overfished”. No one knows yet how the federal rule will apply to state waters (within 9 nautical miles); but it could be that grouper fishing with the reduced limits would be allowed in state waters even during the federal water closed season. Go to ccaflorida.org or myFWC.com for more info.
Closer to home: new vermillion snapper regulations effective September 16th, 2005: Minimum Size Limit – 11 inches total length; Daily Recreational Bag Limit – 10 per person per day statewide. Vermilion Snapper is not included within the Snapper aggregate bag limit. (Good thing they aren't included in the bag limit...we catch sooooo many of them that are 11 inches or more!). FINAL PUBLIC HEARING IN ST PETERSBURG ON OCT 5TH! For more info go to www.ccaflorida.com or www.MyFWC.com
GROUPER FAMILY:
Size: 20"
Bag Limit: 5 (aggregate) except as noted.
Remarks: All species must remain whole until ashore.
