June - July Closure
14” FL
part of 20 reef fish aggregate
This brief summary of regulations governs the taking of species in the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico for personal use. Federal waters begin where state waters end and extend 200 miles. The absence of complete laws, rules and regulations in this summary does not relieve persons from compliance with those laws, rules or regulations.
Some species are subject to in-season closures. Please click on the fish for more detailed information, or check with the Council.
Basic Recreational Fishing Regulations
Snapper
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
August
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Closed
Open
10” TL
20 within the 20 reef fish aggregate
2013 Season opens June 1 - Closure to be announced
16” TL
2 per person
Open
12” TL
10 within the snapper aggregate
Open
12” TL
10 within the snapper aggregate
Closed
Open
8” TL
20 within the 20 reef fish aggregate
Closed
February 1 through March 31
Open
12” TL
10 within the snapper aggregate
Open
16” TL
10 within the snapper aggregate
Open
No Size Limit
10 within the snapper aggregate
Open
No Size Limit
10 within the snapper aggregate
Open
No Size Limit
10 within the snapper aggregate
Grouper
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
August
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Open
Closed
February 1 through March 31
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
22” TL
4 per person in aggregate
Open
July 1 - Closes when quota met
22” TL
2 per person in aggregate
Open
20” TL
4 per person in aggregate
Open
20” TL
4 per person in aggregate
Open
16” TL
4 per person in aggregate
Open
No Size Limit
4 per person in aggregate
Open
No Size Limit
4 per person in aggregate
Open
No Size Limit
4 per person in aggregate
Open
No Size Limit
1 fish per vessel
Open
No Size Limit
1 fish per vessel
Harvest Prohibited
Other
Reef Fish
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
August
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Coastal Pelagics
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
August
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Open
12” FL
5 per person
Open
30” FL
1 per person
Open
14” - 22” FL
5 per person in aggregate
Open
14” - 22” FL
5 per person in aggregate
Open
33” FL
2 per person
Open
12” FL
15 per person
Open
24” FL
2 per person
Shellfish
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
August
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Closed
April 1 through August 5
NOTE: 2 Day Mini-season last consecutive Wednesday/Thursday in July
Open
3” minimum carapace
Must be measured in water
Open
3” minimum carapace
Must be measured in water
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
June 1 - July 31
Closed
Other
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
August
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Harvest Prohibited
