Grouper out until April 15??? - The Hull Truth

jstewart09 · 02-09-2008, 03:38 PM

I heard recently that Gag grouper are catch and release until April 15. Is this fact or fisction??

Mr. Demeanor · 02-09-2008, 03:44 PM

In Federal Gulf waters....yes. I do not know in other places as I fish the Gulf. Considering their poor chance of surviving release (most are caught in deep water) its a good time to do some boat maintenance.

jstewart09 · 02-09-2008, 03:48 PM

Ya thats pretty sad. They are a great fighting fish, where do u fish in the gulf

thefermanator · 02-09-2008, 06:49 PM

For 2008 the closed season for recreational anglers in federal waters is from FEB 15- MAR 15. The proposed closed season will be from JAN 15- APR 15 if they get there way. It is time to get involved and voice your opinions on this matter before it is passed as a law in APRIL.

State waters are open all year as of right now, but they will most likely adopt the federal regulations if they get passed. Also don't forget about circle hooks and venting tools rules that were mandated as of this year for reef fish.

I'm not going to turn this into a political post, there are enough of them already.

jstewart09 · 02-09-2008, 07:23 PM

I didnt know about the circle hooks. What is that all about???

Mr. Demeanor · 02-09-2008, 08:10 PM

Wow..I blew that when I read your post. As of now its only until March 15. I was just really tired from 12 hours of grouper fishing yesterday. 6 guys, 6 reds, 11 gags, mess of mangroves :D I just vacume bagged 21 pounds of filets.
I fish out of Venice Florida.

jstewart09 · 02-09-2008, 08:11 PM

WoW. You guys did good. Do you run a business down there.

Mr. Demeanor · 02-09-2008, 08:42 PM

Yes but nothing to do with fishing. We were out on Captain Joe Millers boat. Fishgalore charters. Cant beat the price or results. Its a bare bones hard core charter though. No fluff...at all. He may yell at you of you lose a fish...no, he will yell at you

thefermanator · 02-09-2008, 11:30 PM

Quote:

jstewart09 - 2/9/2008 9:23 PM

I didnt know about the circle hooks. What is that all about???

Under the latest regs regarding RED SNAPPER, they slid in the rules regarding the use of circle hooks and the requirement to have a venting tool(NOT A KNIFE) on board whenever you are fishing for reef fish. J hooks are PROHIBITED for fishing for reef fish species. You almost need to be an attorney to keep track of the latest rules with the wording they are using. And the current closure ONLY apply's to federal waters(9 miles out and beyond), inside of the 9 mile cartographic line is and will remain open year round as of right now.

jstewart09 · 02-10-2008, 08:24 AM

Where does capt. Joe Miller run out of.