MIAMI (AP) - Gag grouper will open for recreational harvest in most Gulf of Mexico state waters and all Gulf federal waters July 1.
That same day, the season will close in state waters off the coast of Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that the new season will remain open through Dec. 3. State waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties were open from April 1 through June 30. Monroe County is also excluded from the new season because it is included in the Atlantic rules for gag grouper.
Gag grouper caught in federal waters, which begin 9 miles from shore, over the next four months may be taken ashore in Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties.
The gag grouper recreational harvest minimum size and bag limits are 22 inches total length and two gag grouper per person.
