Wednesday, February 8, 2023

FISHING TIPS: ALL ABOUT GROUPER SEASON



Grouper is an incredibly versatile fish that represents a diverse family of species. It’s one of the most favorite catches when fishing. They vary in size and color, with some boasting spots, bars, or blotches while others are monotone or two-tone; all feature stout bodies like snapper but offer larger mouths for catching prey. Plus their meat is perfect to use as the star ingredient at dinner due to its mild flavor, white hue & flaky texture – making them ideal for whatever type of preparation you can imagine!

Grouper Fishing

Grouper may rely on their lurking, lying-in-wait tactics for hunting, but they are also opportunists when it comes to scavenging. Their large mouths and strong gills act as a vacuum – sucking in anything within reach fast! Bottom fishing and deep dropping with natural baits have proven most effective when targeting these fish. While lures can be useful, grouper prefer crustaceans, fish, or squid if you’re looking to bring home dinner.

Where Do Grouper Live

Fascinatingly, varied grouper species inhabit the waters of the Western Atlantic – a range extending from North Carolina to Mexico and Brazil. These temperate-to-tropical seas host moderate temperatures year round, making them an ideal home for these ocean dwellers.

For the avid angler looking to target various species of grouper, they will find a variety of habitats ideal for their pursuit. Reefs between 50 and 300 feet are great places to start as the bottom structure provides cover and bait-holding opportunities. Offshore drop-offs like canyons go even deeper, with depths exceeding 600 feet where yellow edge grouper or tilefish may be found while gag groupers often congregate in inshore areas near grass beds, mangroves , or holes shallower than usual.

Goliath Grouper Season

After a three-decades-long closure, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has opened goliath grouper fishing for all willing anglers. To participate in this unique opportunity to catch one of these iconic fish species, fishers must enter into a lottery system to secure their coveted tag or permit – with only 200 available during this season from March 1st until May 31, 2023. The slot limit for harvesting lies between 24 and 36 inches: making it an exciting race against time! For those lucky enough to receive a permit – no other state offers such an experience so take advantage while you can!

Nassau Grouper

Anglers may catch a glimpse of Nassau grouper in the waters surrounding both the Gulf and Atlantic, but these majestic fish must be released back into their home. To ensure the safety of this species and other marine wildlife, anglers are encouraged to use caution when handling them so they can return swiftly to nature’s depths.

Gag Grouper Season in State and Federal Waters

Gulf of Mexico waters is no longer regionally managing gag grouper. For a limited time, the fascinating fish will be available to catch from September 1 through November 10 this year!

Gulf of Mexico Grouper Season

Anglers, take note: February 1 through March 31 will be off-limits for ocean fishing beyond the 20-fathom break. Several of our beloved maritime species will have this period to enjoy a reprieve from human interference before avid fishermen are welcomed back into their habitats come April. These are:

Yellowfin Grouper
Yellowmouth Grouper
Scamp Grouper
Red Grouper
Black Grouper

For those looking to enjoy the thrill of a catch, fishing in state waters remains accessible year-round due to its location inside the 20 fathom break.

Bag Limits For Gulf of Mexico Grouper

Every angler in the Gulf of Mexico should take heed: aggregate bag limits for their favorite grouper catches are firmly established and must not be exceeded. Be sure to remember that tilefish can also contribute towards this limit – an important caveat when planning your next fishing trip! In terms of individual species, you’re able to collect up to 4 grouper in each bag limit of every species.

Bag Limit for Black Grouper: 4
To harvest, the fish must be at least 24 inches long in length.

Bag Limit for Red Grouper: 2
To harvest, the fish must be at least 20 inches long in length.

Bag Limit for Scamp Grouper: 4
To harvest, the fish must be at least 16 inches long in length.

Bag Limit for Gag Grouper: 2
To harvest, the fish must be at least 24 inches long in length.

Bag Limit for Snowy Grouper: 4
Bag Limit for Speckled Hind Grouper: 1
Speckled hind cpmes with a vessel limitation of one fish.

Warsaw Grouper: 1
Warsaw grouper have a vessel limitation of one fish.

Bag Limit for Yellowedge Grouper: 4

Bag Limit for Yellowfin Grouper: 4
To harvest, the fish must be at least 20 inches long in length.

Bag Limit for Yellowmouth Grouper: 4
Bag Limit for Coney Grouper: 4
Bag Limit for Graysby Grouper: 4
Bag Limit for Misty Grouper: 4
Bag Limit for Rock Hind: 4
Bag Limit for Red Hind: 4

State water Grouper Regulations

Anglers in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama have year-round access to plentiful state waters for grouper fishing – with the exception of a seasonal closure from February 1st through March 31st beyond 20 fathoms.

Grouper Season & Regulations

Looking to embark on a fishing trip in the beautiful waters? With grouper seasons and regulations for both Gulf and Atlantic waters, you can join countless anglers seeking out these prized catches. Discover more details about this thrilling endeavor with resources available right here!

Atlantic Grouper Season

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council oversees the regulation of grouper fishing in four coastal states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

From May 1 to December 31, 2023, fishing enthusiasts can enjoy a diverse range of species from Red Grouper and Black Grouper to the more exotic Graysby and Coney Groupers. In addition, those seeking an unforgettable experience have Rock Hinds and Yellowmouth Groupers available as well!

Snowy Grouper Season

Anglers can experience the thrill of catching snowy grouper found in the Atlantic Federal Waters starting from May 1 to August 31, 2023 – a prime three-month season for those eager to test their skills!

Bag Limit for Atlantic Bag Limits

Fishing for grouper in the Gulf of Mexico? Better be mindful of your catch! The aggregate bag limit allows anglers to keep up to 4 grouper – but note, tilefish do count toward that limit. Your best bet is knowing what species are included within the individual limits:

Bag Limit for Gag Grouper: 1
Bag limit is limited to a single gag grouper or a single black grouper at least 24 inches in length.

Bag Limit for Black Grouper: 1
Bag limit is limited to a single black grouper or only one gag grouper to a minimum of 24 inches in length.

Bag Limit for Red Grouper: 3
Fish must be a minimum of 20 inches long in length to harvest.

Bag Limit for Scamp Grouper – Bag Limit: 3
Fish must be a minimum of 20 inches long in length to harvest.

Bag Limit for Snowy Grouper – Bag Limit: 1

Anglers in State Waters can only catch one fish during their excursion, but those who venture into Federal Territorial waters are able to bring home the bounty of up to one fish per vessel.

Bag Limit for Speckled Hind Grouper – Bag Limit: 1

Anglers in State Waters are required to limit their Speckled Hind catches, as Federal harvest has been completely prohibited. For this species, one is the magic number!

Bag Limit for Warsaw Grouper – Bag Limit: 1

With Warsaw grouper, recreational anglers in State waters must practice responsible fishing and adhere to a strict one-fish vessel limit. Federal harvest of the species is completely prohibited.

Bag Limit for Yellowedge Grouper: 3
Bag Limit for Yellowfin Grouper: 3
To harvest, the fish must be at least 20 inches long in length.

Bag Limit for Yellowmouth Grouper: 3
To harvest, the fish must be at least 20 inches long in length.

Bag Limit for Coney Grouper: 3
Bag Limit for Graysby Grouper: 3
Bag Limit for Misty Grouper: 3
Bag Limit for Rock Hind: 3
Bag Limit for Red Hind: 3

Call Captain Smiley Fishing Charters LLC. now if you want to know more about fishing services.

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Captain Smiley Fishing Charters LLC.
4495 Baker St
Little River, SC 29566
(843) 361-7445
https://www.captainsmileyfishingcharters.com
catch@captainsmileyfishingcharters.com

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