Outdoors

Federal grouper rules update

By TERRY TOMALIN, Times Outdoors Editor
Published February 1, 2008

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met this week and picked one of six proposed alternatives to manage the grouper fishery. If approved, the new rules would drop the bag limit from five to three, with a one-gag maximum. All grouper fishing would be closed in federal waters from Jan. 15 through April 15. If the state allows easier restrictions in state waters, federally licensed charter boats would still have to follow the federal rules, even in state waters. Before these rules become final, anglers will be able to voice concerns at a series of public hearings.

[Last modified January 31, 2008, 23:17:04]