The summer season for gag grouper in the Atlantic is now officially on the clock. During its May meeting in Fort Myers, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) finalized an executive order that will end the recreational harvest in state waters starting August 2, 2026.
The closure applies to all Atlantic state waters, including those surrounding Monroe County. By setting the cutoff at 12:01 a.m. on the second of the month, the FWC is bringing Florida’s rules into alignment with federal regulations recently established for the offshore waters bordering state territory.
State officials are implementing the early August end date as part of a broader effort to manage the population.
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The FWC noted that “consistent state and federal recreational seasons for Atlantic gag grouper will help end overfishing and rebuild the fishery, while also helping to ensure future harvest opportunities.”
Anglers planning trips for the remainder of the summer should take note of the specific timing to ensure they stay within the legal limits.
Detailed information regarding the new season dates and reef fish regulations is being updated on the FWC’s official website under the recreational fishing section.
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