Get out your notebook. Once again, anglers must learn new rules for grouper in the Gulf of Mexico. But don't get too comfortable. The regulations, which went into effect Jan.1., will probably change again before the year is over.
The recreational daily bag limit for gag grouper is now two fish per person within the five-grouper aggregate limit in all Gulf waters, with a closed season for gags running from Feb. 1 through March 31.
The recreational daily bag limit for red grouper in Gulf state waters is now two fish per person within the five-grouper aggregate limit. However, the recreational red grouper limit in Gulf federal waters, which begin 9 miles offshore, is still one fish per person within the aggregate limit.
The Feb. 15 through March 14 closure to the recreational harvest of red and black grouper in Gulf federal waters is still in effect. This recreational closed season does not apply in Gulf state waters.
In addition, the recreational minimum size limit for greater amberjack is now 30 inches fork length, and the commercial and recreational minimum size limit for gray triggerfish is now 14 inches fork length in all Gulf waters.
For more information, go to http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/bulletins/pdfs/2008/FB08-066%20IR%20Amend%2030B.pdf
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