Introduction
Gag grouper season is officially open for September 2025, and anglers across the Gulf Coast are gearing up for action. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or planning your first trip, knowing the regulations and requirements is key to making the most of this limited season.
When Is Gag Grouper Season in 2025?
For both state and federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico (excluding Monroe County), the gag grouper season runs from September 1 through September 14, 2025. The fishery will officially close at 12:01 a.m. on September 15.
This shortened season reflects federal and state management decisions designed to protect the species, which has been declared overfished.
✅ Key Dates to Remember:
- Opens: September 1, 2025
- Closes: September 15, 2025 (12:01 a.m.)
- Applies to both federal and Florida Gulf state waters (excluding Monroe County).
Bag Limits and Size Requirements
Anglers are limited to:
- Bag limit: 2 gag grouper per person, per day (within the 4-grouper aggregate limit).
- Minimum size: 24 inches total length.
These rules ensure fair harvest while giving the stock a chance to rebuild. Always check the latest updates from FWC and NOAA Fisheries.
Licensing & Survey Requirements
Before heading out, make sure you’re properly licensed.
- Florida Saltwater Fishing License – Required for all recreational anglers.
- Federal Permits – If fishing in federal waters, ensure your vessel complies with federal requirements.
⚠️ Anglers may also be selected to complete surveys like the Gulf Reef Fish Survey or MRIP dockside interviews. These help fisheries managers set future seasons and quotas.
Why These Regulations Matter
The gag grouper population has faced heavy pressure, leading to shortened seasons and stricter limits. These measures are in place to:
- Prevent overfishing and rebuild stocks.
- Protect future fishing opportunities.
- Keep recreational and commercial harvests within federal quotas.
By following the rules, anglers play a direct role in conserving the species for years to come.
Where to Target Gag Grouper Near Tampa Bay
The waters off Tampa Bay offer a variety of productive spots for gag grouper:
- Artificial Reefs: Sites such as the Clearwater Reef and Treasure Island Reef hold quality grouper around ledges and structure.
- Skyway Pier: Grouper love holding tight to deep structure points; many people have luck fishing rock piles off the Skyway pier on an outgoing tide.
- Nearshore Rocks & Ledges: Many anglers find keeper fish in as shallow as 30–50 feet, especially around rocky ledges and limestone patches.
- Egmont Key: Just west of Egmont, deeper waters provide consistent action for both recreational and charter anglers.
Gear Setup for Gag Grouper
Strong fish require strong gear. Here’s what works best:
- Rod & Reel: A heavy conventional rod rated for 50–80 lb line paired with a high-capacity reel.
- Line & Leader: Braided line with a 60–80 lb fluorocarbon leader for abrasion resistance.
- Hooks & Rigs: Circle hooks are required for fishing; pair with a fish-finder or knocker rig depending on conditions.
Best Baits for Gag Grouper
Gag grouper are opportunistic feeders, but some baits consistently outproduce others:
- Live Baits: Pinfish, grunts, and greenbacks are top choices.
- Cut Baits: Cut mullet works well when live bait isn’t available.
- Artificial Lures: Heavy jigs and trolling plugs can trigger aggressive strikes around structure. Don’t be afraid to go big; gag grouper often strike Z-Man 10″ straight tail jerkbaits.
Pro Tip: Drop baits right into structure and be ready—gag grouper strike hard and head straight for cover. Quick, firm hook-sets are essential followed by aggressive reeling increases your chances of pulling the fish out of the rocks.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 gag grouper season may be short, but it offers anglers a chance to enjoy one of Florida’s most sought-after reef species. Stay compliant, fish responsibly, and make the most of the limited window.
Whether you’re chasing trophy fish offshore or dialing in your inshore game, Black Label Marine Group has the best boats and features to set you up for success this fishing season. With a wide range of top-performing models and the latest technology, we’ll help you fish smarter, stay comfortable, and make every trip count. Plus, with our expert upgrades designed to maximize fishability, you can be confident your boat is fully equipped to give you the edge on the water.
The season runs from September 1 through September 14, 2025, for both Florida Gulf state waters and federal waters (excluding Monroe County). It closes at 12:01 a.m. on September 15.
Anglers may keep 2 gag grouper per person per day, within the 4-grouper aggregate limit. Each fish must measure at least 24 inches in total length.
Yes. A Florida Saltwater Fishing License is required for all recreational anglers. Additionally, a State Reef Fish Angler designation is mandatory in Gulf state waters, and federal permits are required if fishing offshore in federal waters.
Though many fisherman may disagree, gag grouper have been declared overfished. The shortened season and stricter regulations help protect the species, prevent overfishing, and allow the stock to rebuild for future fishing opportunities.
