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Florida grouper fish6/21/2023 ![]() ![]() Gag grouper are no longer managed regionally in Florida Gulf waters. There is no closed season for the following species in the Gulf of Mexico Waters: - Coney Grouper - Graysby Grouper - Yellowedge Grouper - Misty Grouper - Warsaw Grouper - Snowy Grouper - Speckled Hind - Rock Hind - Red Hind Florida Gag Grouper Season (State & Federal Waters) ![]() However, there are areas that have additional seasonal restrictions such as “The Edges" which are closed from January 1 to April 30, 2023. Florida Grouper Season - Gulf of Mexicoįishing is closed from February 1 through March 31 beyond the 20-fathom break for the following species: - Black Grouper - Red Grouper - Scamp Grouper - Yellowfin Grouper - Yellowmouth Grouperįishing remains open in State waters. FWC urges anglers to handle the fish with care and release it as quickly as possible. While anglers will occasionally catch one of these giant fish, harvest is prohibited. ![]() Nassau grouper are residents in both Gulf and Atlantic waters. The new season is open from March 1, to May 31, 2023. The slot limit for goliath grouper is between 24 and 36 inches. Each permit allows for the harvest of one goliath grouper and there are approximately 200 permits. The new rules require anglers to enter a lottery for a tag or permit. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has reopened goliath grouper fishing for the first time in 32 years. Offshore drop off and canyons hold the deep dwelling yellowedge grouper and tilefish. At depths over 600 feet deep dropping equipment may be necessary. The final place to find grouper is far offshore at extreme depths. With grouper being a hide and wait predator, this is where they live. Any structure including rock piles, reefs, wrecks, and ledges at moderate depths will hold the majority prey in an area. Water depths from 50 to 300 feet are ideal for a variety of grouper species. Second, nearshore reefs possibly hold the greatest abundance of grouper. Key areas are grass beds, holes, and ledges which provide these fish with shelter or a place to ambush prey. Some species of grouper like gag grouper will inhabit shallow waters not far from shore. The first and most shallow environment is inshore. Here are the most common environments that hold grouper. The best places to catch grouper will depend on the particular species. The rich Gulf and Atlantic waters that surround Florida contain ideal habitat for a long list of grouper species. With most grouper inhabiting various structures, their most common food sources are crustaceans, fish, and occasionally squid. While artificial lures and baits can work, natural baits are particularly more effective for these fish. Bottom fishing and in some cases deep dropping are the most effective methods to catch grouper. The large mouth and powerful gills of a grouper create avacuum that sucks prey into their mouth in the blink of an eye. These fish are also opportunistic scavengers that wont pass up an easy meal. Grouper are stout predators that prefer to lie and wait rather than chase their prey. ![]()
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