bottom

Black Grouper

Mycteroperca bonaci

The premier Keys grouper — out-sizes gag, prefers reefs and ledges. Live bait on heavy gear, fast retrieve off the bottom.

Preferred water temp65–85°F

Preferred depth60–400 ft

Peak monthsApr, May, Sep, Oct

Holds onhard bottom, ledges, wrecks, high relief

In our regions

Northeast Florida — AtlanticCentral/Southeast Florida — AtlanticMiami & Keys — Atlantic sideSouthwest Florida — GulfBahamas — Bimini & Grand BahamaBahamas — Abaco & AndrosBahamas — Eleuthera, Exuma & Cat IslandLouisiana GulfSouth Carolina CoastNorth Carolina (Outer Banks + Cape Lookout)Georgia CoastTexas Gulf

Regulations

⚠️ BETA: best-effort current as of May 31, 2026. Confirm with the linked FWC / NOAA source before keeping a fish.

Showing 2 of 8 regulations for FL Gulf

STATE

FL Gulf — State waters (0–9 nm)

Currently OPENSeasonal

Bag limit

4 / angler / day

Minimum

24″ TL (total length)

Season

Jun 1, 2026 → Dec 31, 2026Gulf open season (state)

Gulf state-waters grouper closure Feb 1 – Mar 31. Federal Gulf open year-round but check current rule. 4-fish aggregate.

FEDERAL

Federal Gulf (9–200 nm) — GMFMC

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 2 / angler / day
Minimum: 24″ TL (total length)

Federal Gulf: 2/angler within 4-grouper Gulf aggregate, 24" TL min, year-round.