Gulf recreational gag grouper closed Oct. 1 for the rest of 2026

Recreational gag grouper in Gulf of America federal waters is already shut for the rest of the calendar year. NOAA Fisheries opened the 2026 recreational season at 12:01 a.m. Sept. 1 and closed it at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 1 after projecting the recreational annual catch target would be harvested.

The 2026 recreational ACL is 499,000 pounds gutted weight and the ACT is 399,000 pounds. SEDAR 72 still lists the stock as overfished and undergoing overfishing. During the closure, bag and possession limits are zero for gag in or from Gulf federal waters, and the zero-possession rule also applies in Gulf state waters for vessels with a valid federal Gulf reef-fish charter/headboat permit.

NOAA worked with Florida FWC on the fall season-length projection using recent landings. Anglers targeting other grouper and reef fish should confirm current Gulf seasonal closures before they leave the dock.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: NOAA Fisheries bulletin announcing the 2026 Gulf gag recreational season and Oct. 1 closure (May 20, 2026).