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Gag grouper regional season about to open

 
Published March 26, 2015

Making news

gag grouper regional season close to opening

Residents of the west-central Florida coast in Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson or Taylor county can start fishing for gag grouper on Wednesday. This regional season will be open through June 30. Gag grouper anglers can also fish the waters of Apalachicola Bay and Indian Pass. Gags caught in state waters (out to 9 nautical miles offshore) can be landed on the Gulf County side of Indian Pass and the Dixie County side of the Steinhatchee River, but may not be taken ashore in other closed areas. Local anglers must wait until July 1 to catch and keep gags. The season will be open through Dec. 3. The season in all federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico opens July 1 and closes Dec. 3. Gag grouper must be 22 inches long. The bag limit is two per person.

Mandatory reef fish survey

If you fish in the Gulf of Mexico from a private boat and plan to catch and keep reef fish, you need to register for the Gulf Reef Fish Survey starting April 1. The following species are covered under the new regulations: red and vermilion snapper; gag, black and red grouper; gray triggerfish; greater and lesser amberjack; banded rudderfish and almaco jack. Sign up for this mandatory survey at license.myfwc.com or call toll-free 1-888-FISHFLORIDA (347-4356). You can also register in person at local tackle shops and tax collectors' offices. There is no cost.

Lobster season closes Wednesday

If you were thinking about catching some late, late season lobster, go this weekend. The recreational and commercial season for spiny lobster closes Wednesday and will reopen Aug. 6. The two-day recreational sport season is the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July, which is July 29-30 this year.

Compiled by Terry Tomalin. Send your news and notes to TTomalin@TampaBay.com or call (727) 893-8808.

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