reef

Goliath Grouper

Epinephelus itajara

Apex inshore reef predator (up to 800 lb). Catch-and-release ONLY in US waters. Heavy tackle off wrecks + bridge pilings. Juveniles live deep in mangrove estuaries.

Preferred water temp70–86°F

Preferred depth10–150 ft

Holds onwrecks, channels, mangroves

In our regions

Big Bend — GulfSouthwest Florida — GulfGeorgia CoastNortheast Florida — AtlanticMiami & Keys — Atlantic sideFlorida Panhandle — GulfBahamas — Eleuthera, Exuma & Cat IslandBahamas — Bimini & Grand BahamaSouth Carolina CoastCentral/Southeast Florida — AtlanticBahamas — Abaco & Andros

Regulations

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

Showing 6 of 6 regulations

STATE

All Florida — State + Federal

Catch & releaseCatch & release only

Catch-and-release only EXCEPT for a very limited annual lottery harvest tag (24-36" TL, by application). For most anglers: no harvest. Fish must remain in water for release.

FWC. Limited harvest reopened via tag system in 2023 after long moratorium.

FEDERAL

Federal Atlantic (3–200 nm) — SAFMC

Catch & releaseCatch & release only

Bag limit: 0 / angler / day

All federal waters: C&R only.

SE Atlantic federal goliath: C&R only.

FEDERAL

Federal Gulf (9–200 nm) — GMFMC

Catch & releaseCatch & release only

Bag limit: 0 / angler / day

Federal Gulf: C&R only.

Gulf federal goliath: C&R only.

TX_GULF

Texas — State waters (0–9 nm) · TPWD

Catch & releaseCatch & release only

Bag limit: 0 / angler / day

0 bag limit; catch and release only.

Texas goliath: C&R only.

STATE

FL Gulf — State waters (0–9 nm)

Permit requiredPermit required

Bag limit

1 / angler / day

Slot

24″–36″ TL (total length)

Season

Invalid Date → Invalid Date

Lottery permit only. 200 permits/year via random draw (Oct 1-15 application). $10 application; $150 resident / $500 non-resident if awarded. Slot 24-36" TL. Season Mar 1 - May 31. Hook and line only, circle hooks, descending device required. Closed in federal waters and S of Martin County. Report within 24 hrs.

FL Gulf goliath: lottery permit, March-May, 24-36" slot.

STATE

FL Atlantic — State waters (0–3 nm)

Catch & releaseCatch & release only

Bag limit: 0 / angler / day

Closed in state waters from Martin County south through Keys, ENP, Dry Tortugas, and all federal waters. C&R only there. Elsewhere lottery permit possible.

FL Atlantic goliath: closed S of Martin Co; C&R only.