While many continue to reel in red snapper, vermillion snapper, mackerel, triggerfish and more, starting Sept. 1, there will be a couple of more fish to add to the catch list.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued an executive order earlier this month to open greater amberjack and gag grouper starting Sept. 1 in state waters.
The recreational season for amberjack will open Sept. 1 and go through Oct. 13 and will close at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 14. Amberjack must be 34 inches in length to keep, with a bag limit of one per person.
This season is consistent with NOAA’s season in federal waters.
“Maintaining consistent state and federal recreational seasons for Gulf greater amberjack is intended to prevent quota overages and help ensure the stock continues to rebuild,” according to an FWC news release.
As for gag grouper, recreational season will be in state waters, excluding all state waters off Monroe County, from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30. This season will close at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1. The limit on gag grouper is two per person, must be 24 inches in length.
This grouper season is also consistent with NOAA’s season in federal waters.
If you plan to fish for greater amberjack, gag grouper, or other specific reef fish species from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up for the State Reef Fish Angler Designation. Annual renewal is required.
As a state reef fish angler, you could be selected to receive a mail survey. Data from the state reef fish survey is being used for greater amberjack and gag grouper management and increased recreational fishing opportunities in Florida.
To learn more about the State Reef Fish Survey, visit MYFWC.com/SRFS.
This information was provided by FWC.
This article originally appeared on The Destin Log: Amberjack and grouper open Sept. 1
Reporting by Tina Harbuck, The Destin Log / The Destin Log
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Tina Harbuck, The Destin Log | USA TODAY Network
