Florida state waters in the Gulf of Mexico will open for recreational greater amberjack fishing from Sept. 1 through Oct. 13, following an executive order issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at its August meeting in Panama City.
The recreational season will officially close at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 14.
The state season matches the dates recently announced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for adjacent federal waters.
According to the FWC, keeping state and federal seasons aligned is intended to prevent quota overages and assist in the ongoing effort to rebuild the Gulf greater amberjack stock.
Anglers planning to target greater amberjack or other designated reef fish species from private recreational vessels are required to sign up for the State Reef Fish Angler designation, which requires annual renewal. Participants in the program may be selected to complete a mail survey as part of the State Reef Fish Survey.
Data gathered through the State Reef Fish Survey is currently utilized in the management of greater amberjack to evaluate stock status and inform future recreational fishing opportunities across Florida.
READ: Florida Teen Cited In The Keys After Deputy Finds Undersized Snapper Used As Bait
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