Gulf recreational greater amberjack closes Oct. 14 after a 43-day season

Gulf recreational greater amberjack fishing is almost done for the year. NOAA Fisheries says federal waters opened Sept. 1 and will close at 12:01 a.m. local time on Oct. 14, 2026 — a 43-day season, up from 26 days in 2025. The bag remains one fish per person per day with a 34-inch fork-length minimum until the clock stops.

The closure is tied to the 2026/2027 recreational annual catch target of 335,320 pounds (ACL 404,000 pounds). Based on landings, NOAA projects the target will be met Oct. 14. After that, recreational bag and possession limits are zero in or from Gulf federal waters, and federally permitted charter/headboat vessels also face a zero possession limit in Gulf state waters. The stock is still considered overfished.

Harvest stays closed until the next season opens Sept. 1, 2027. Anglers can sign up for Gulf recreational text alerts by texting GULFRECFISH to 888777.

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

Source: NOAA Fisheries Gulf Fishery Bulletin FB26-029 (June 1, 2026).