Anglers targeting grouper in Florida state waters of the Atlantic, including Monroe County, can take home some of their catch starting May 1, when the season reopens to harvest.
Species included in the recreational and commercial opening are gag, black, red, yellowmouth, yellowfin and tiger grouper; scamp; red hind; rock hind; coney; and graysby.
The harvest of these species of grouper will remain open until Jan. 1, 2015. The harvest closure was put in place to ensure the Atlantic grouper species' long-term sustainability.
State waters in the Atlantic are from shore to 3 nautical miles out.
More information about grouper bag and size limits, gear restrictions and fishing seasons, including a new map of the Atlantic and Gulf grouper fishing boundaries is available at the Florida Fish and Wildife Conservation Commission website: select “Saltwater Fishing” then “Recreational Regulations” and “Groupers.”
For more information about grouper bag and size limits, gear restrictions and fishing seasons, including a new map of the Atlantic and Gulf grouper fishing boundaries.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Grouper fishing reopens May 1 in Atlantic, Monroe County waters