Can you catch grouper in the Florida Keys?
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Can you catch grouper in the Florida Keys?
In the Florida Keys, good grouper spots can be found just a few miles from shore. There are nearly a dozen different species of grouper found in Florida waters, but most charter boats fishing in The Keys target the big three—gag, red and black grouper.
Is grouper season open in the Keys?
Grouper fishing in the Florida Keys and Key West is open to recreational anglers from May 1st until December 31st. Note that there are some species of grouper that are open year round. However, the most common grouper species that Keys anglers are targeting are the Black Grouper, the Gag Grouper, and the Red Grouper.
Can you catch grouper in Key West?
Fishing for Red Grouper in Key West The red grouper is widely found throughout the Western Hemisphere, but it’s especially common here in Key West. Typically, the red grouper is a bottom-dweller, with adults usually preferring rocky structures or reef waters.
How do you get grouper in Islamorada?
Live bait such as pinfish are ideal. Frozen baits such as squid and sardines are other good choices. Artificial lures can be successful in catching groupers–specifically the shallow water species. The most effective of these lures are the deep diving plugs and lures.
Is grouper season open in Florida?
Atlantic Grouper General Regulations: Seasons – If no seasonal information is provided, the species is open year-round.
Where is the best place to catch grouper Florida?
Pensacola has one of the largest man-made reefs in the world just offshore, so it’s the perfect place to find and catch grouper. The Oriskany Memorial Reef is also called “the Great Carrier Reef”, and it provides groupers with tons of cover to hide from their prey – this attracts plenty of groupers for you to catch.
How many grouper can you keep in Florida?
Gulf Grouper Aggregate Bag Limit – all species of grouper in the Gulf are included in a 4 fish per har- vester per day aggregate bag limit in any combina- tion of grouper species. Seasons – If no seasonal information is provided, the species is open year-round.
Can you catch grouper in Florida right now?
Grouper, Yellowfin & Yellowmouth – s u l Season: Atlantic – Closed Jan. 1–April 30. Gulf – Open year-round.
What is grouper season in the Florida Keys?
The new rules take effect July 1, 2022, with the first harvest season starting March 1, 2023.
Where is Goliath grouper in the Keys?
Goliath Grouper can be caught year-round in the waters surrounding Key West and the lower Florida Keys. And are often caught in the backcountry mangroves as well as around structure in deeper water such as rock piles, reefs, wrecks and bridges.
When can you fish for grouper in Florida?
Gag grouper season opens June 1 and ends Dec. 31. Angling seasons for a handful of fish species will be starting and ending soon. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), recreational harvest of gag grouper opens June 1 through Dec.
What size grouper is legal in Florida?
The minimum size limit for gag grouper is 24 inches total length and the daily bag limit is two fish per harvester within the four grouper aggregate bag limit. Charter captains and crew have a zero bag limit.
What is the best time to fish for grouper in Florida?
Grouper are one of the most popular gamefish in Florida coastal waters. Knowing the best time to come visit Florida and chase these moster brawlers can make all the difference in the world. Generally speaking, the best time to catch grouper is from May to October.
