Get your tackle boxes ready, Florida anglers! A significant number of popular reef fish species will open to recreational harvest in Florida’s Atlantic state waters starting this Thursday, May 1st.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced the opening, offering exciting opportunities for both seasoned and novice fishermen.
Among the highly anticipated openings are greater amberjack and red porgy, which will be available for recreational harvest in all Florida state waters of the Atlantic. This means anglers from the northernmost reaches of the state down to the Keys will have the chance to target these prized catches.
READ: Gulf Anglers Reminded: Florida Recreational Greater Amberjack Harvest Closed In May
Adding to the excitement, several grouper species will also open on May 1st. This includes a diverse group: gag, black, red, yellowmouth, and yellowfin grouper, as well as scamp, snowy, red hind, rock hind, coney, and graysby.
These grouper species will be open for recreational harvest in all Florida state waters of the Atlantic and all state waters of Monroe County, providing ample fishing grounds in the southern part of the state.
Finally, for those targeting the distinct flavor of hogfish, the wait is almost over. Recreational harvest for hogfish will open in all state waters on Florida’s east coast, as well as all state waters south of Cape Sable, which includes the Florida Keys.
READ: Florida Anglers Reel In Record-Breaking Red Snapper Season For 2025
This opening of several key reef fish species is expected to draw significant interest from the recreational fishing community. Anglers are reminded to familiarize themselves with all current regulations, including size and bag limits, gear restrictions, and any applicable closed seasons for other species.
These regulations are in place to ensure the long-term sustainability of Florida’s valuable reef fish populations.
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