Goliath Grouper Legal in 2023

[archer36]

FLORIDA APPROVES FIRST GOLIATH GROUPER HARVEST IN 30 YEARS

For the first time since 1990, goliath groupers, the charismatic behemoths of warm Atlantic waters, can be legally harvested by anglers. On March 3, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) approved a limited quota of 200 tags. The first season will start in 2023 and span March 1 through May 31. Hook-and-line is the only acceptable method, and fishing must occur in state waters.

FWC will issue permit tags via random-draw lottery at $150 for residents and $500 for out-of-state anglers. Only 50 of the 200 tags may be filled in the waters of Everglades National Park. Additionally, Martin County south through the Atlantic Coast of the Keys, all of the St. Lucie River and its tributaries, and Dry Tortugas National Park are all off-limits for goliath grouper harvest.

[archer36]

One time fishing in FL, a Goliath was hooked. It took two guys taking turns to bring the fish up and we never saw it. They estimated it was at least 300 lbs. 

There are probably fish out there that weigh double that. 

Edited March 11, 2022 by archer36

[Cousin Brown]

only certain size may be kept.

[MGHunter66]

I caught a Goliath on a hand line, was an awesome experience . I’d post the picture here but after what my gt friends did photoshopping it I would definitely be banned🤣

[archer36]

2 minutes ago, MGHunter66 said:

I caught a Goliath on a hand line, was an awesome experience . I’d post the picture here but after what my gt friends did photoshopping it I would definitely be banned🤣

Didn't know you could get banned for that. 

[MGHunter66]

1 minute ago, archer36 said:

Didn't know you could get banned for that. 

Found the original, hope they just leave this one alone🤣🤣🤣

[archer36]

8 minutes ago, MGHunter66 said:

Found the original, hope they just leave this one alone🤣🤣🤣

Was this before 1990? Was it legal to keep? 

[Bucksnbows]

Interestingly, it was recreational divers that pushed for this regulation change to allow for some harvest. Lots of complaints from divers on wrecks having big problems with massive Goliath groupers led in part to a recreational catch being reestablished thirty years after their season was closed. 

[JHbowhunter]

17 minutes ago, MGHunter66 said:

Found the original, hope they just leave this one alone🤣🤣🤣

Resisting urge to get my first ban…….  

[MGHunter66]

10 minutes ago, archer36 said:

Was this before 1990? Was it legal to keep? 

No believe it was 1994, wasn’t legal to keep

[archer36]

11 minutes ago, MGHunter66 said:

No believe it was 1994, wasn’t legal to keep

Was wondering if you ate it.

[DonW]

It has been my goal since a child to catch on of these. Maybe one day...

[archer36]

5 minutes ago, DonW said:

It has been my goal since a child to catch on of these. Maybe one day...

My Wife's Uncle has a house in Ft. Myer's Beach. He has a book about the area. In the "old days" they used to catch Goliath Grouper off the pier. 

[Cousin Brown]

The proposal is for a lottery of 200 Florida goliath harvest permits, one per person, with a trophy fee of $500 per tag. It’s slated to run from March to May, hook and line only, with a goliath slot limit for fish somewhere between 20 and 36 inches long.

[Buckeyes11]

500$ for a slot fish. No thanks.