Everything You Need To Know About Grouper Season 2024

Florida Grouper Season 2024

See below for specific seasons for grouper fishing in florida in 2024. See here for more general information on fishing for grouper in florida.

Florida Gag Grouper Season 2024

The season for gag grouper in Florida is open September 1 through September 15th and the bag limit is 2 per person with a 4 fish maximum.

Florida Black Grouper Season 2024

The season for black grouper in Florida is open year-round in state waters and the bag limit is 4 per person with a 4 fish maximum. "The Edges" is closed to black grouper fishing Jan 1 to April 30.

Florida Red Grouper Season 2024

The season for red grouper in Florida is open January 1st through June 30th and the bag limit is 2 per person with a 4 fish maximum.

Florida Scamp Grouper Season 2024

The season for scamp grouper in Florida is open year-round in state waters and the bag limit is 4 per person with a 4 fish maximum. "The Edges" is closed to black grouper fishing Jan 1 to April 30.

Florida Goliath Grouper Season 2024

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has reopened goliath grouper fishing in Florida for the first time in 32 years. The new rules require anglers to enter a lottery for a tag or permit. Each permit allows for the harvest of one goliath grouper and there are approximately 200 permits. The slot limit for goliath grouper is between 24 and 36 inches. The new season is open from March 1, to May 31, 2023. Florida is the only state that allows the harvest of goliath grouper.

For more information on Florida grouper season dates, bag limits, and size limits, visit the Florida fish and wildlife site.

Federal Water Grouper Season 2024

Nassau Grouper Regulations

Nassau grouper are residents in both Gulf and Atlantic waters. While anglers will occasionally catch one of these giant fish, harvest is prohibited. Anglers are urged to handle the fish with care and release it as quickly as possible.

Federal Gag Grouper Season 2024

The season is open September 1 through September 15th and the bag limit is 2 per person with a 4 fish maximum.

Gulf of Mexico Grouper Season 2024

Fishing is closed beyond the 20-fathom break from February 1 through March 31 for the following species:

- Black Grouper

- Red Grouper

- Scamp Grouper

- Yellowfin Grouper

- Yellowmouth Grouper

Fishing is still open year-round in state waters (in most cases) inside of the 20 fathom break.

Other States

Texas Grouper Season 2024

State water grouper fishing in Texas is open year round except February 1 through March 31 seaward of the 20-fathom federal boundary.

Louisiana Grouper Season 2024

State water grouper fishing in Louisiana is open year round except February 1 through March 31 seaward of the 20-fathom federal boundary.

Mississippi Grouper Season 2024

State water grouper fishing in Mississippi is open year round except February 1 through March 31 seaward of the 20-fathom federal boundary.

Alabama Grouper Season 2024

State water grouper fishing in Alabama is open year round except February 1 through March 31 seaward of the 20-fathom federal boundary.

South Atlantic Coast Grouper Season 2024

Grouper fishing regulations for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida are managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

Fishing is open from May 1 through December 31, 2024 for the following species:

• Red Grouper
• Black Grouper
• Yellowfin Grouper
• Yellowmouth Grouper
• Scamp Grouper
• Coney Grouper
• Graysby Grouper
• Gag Grouper
• Rock Hind
• Red Hind

Fishing for snowy grouper in Atlantic Federal Waters is open from May 1 to August 31, 2024.

Grouper Season 2025

Grouper season dates for 2025 haven't been announced yet, but we'll update here when we know more!

What is a Grouper?

Grouper is the name used to describe a diverse family of fish. Typically, grouper have stout bodies similar in shape to snapper and a large mouth for catching prey. They range in size from several hundred pounds down to only a few pounds. The markings grouper have can range from spots, bars, and blotches to monotone and two tone color schemes. When it comes to table fare grouper are exceptional. Their meat is white, mild, and flaky which is perfect for a variety of preparations.

Grouper Species

Grouper come in all sizes in colors and inhabit a wide range of different habitats. Check out our Grouper Species blog to learn about 16 of the most popular grouper.

Grouper Fishing

Grouper are stout predators that prefer to lie and wait rather than chase their prey. These fish are also opportunistic scavengers that wont pass up an easy meal. The large mouth and powerful gills of a grouper create a vacuum that sucks prey into their mouth in the blink of an eye. Bottom fishing and in some cases deep dropping are the most effective methods to catch grouper. While artificial lures and baits can work, bottom fishing with natural baits is particularly effective for these fish. The most common food sources for grouper are crustaceans, fish, and occasionally squid.

Where Do Grouper Live

Most of the grouper species in the Western Atlantic will inhabit temperate to tropical waters which have moderate temperatures throughout the year. This range typically spans from North Carolina south into the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Ocean. Some grouper species can be found as far south as Brazil.

When it comes to the preferred habitat, reefs in 50 to 300 feet of water are an ideal environment for a variety of grouper species. Bottom structure including rock piles, reefs, wrecks, and ledges hold prey and provide cover for these ambush predators. The ideal depth will vary depending on the species of grouper being targeted. Offshore drop-offs and canyons have depths over 600 feet which hold the deep dwelling yellowedge grouper and tilefish. On the other end of the scale, gag grouper can frequently be found inshore near grass beds, mangroves, and holes.

Book a Grouper Trip Today

No time like the present to get out with a local charter captain and catch your fill of grouper. Check out our grouper fishing guides and book your trip.