Gag

Season in Florida Keys

Florida Sportsman lists gag among the groupers on Upper Keys patch reefs when grouper move shallow in fall and winter. Few fish; weak chart. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

Taller patch reef structure in fall and winter, with other groupers (Florida Sportsman). Uncommon.

On the bottom near rock, ledges, reefs and wrecks; adults in groups of 5 to 50 or alone (Florida Museum).

What to look for

Ledges and hard bottom on the depth finder.

Bait

Live pinfish, Live pogies (menhaden), Live mullet, Pigfish, Cigar minnows, Threadfin herring, Grunts. .

Leader

Common mistakes

• Keeping small inshore gag; they are juveniles

Landing

Turn the fish up quickly before it reaches cover.

Handling

Unhook with pliers; release undersized fish quickly.

Keep or release

Inshore gag along the Atlantic coast are usually juveniles; release them. Rules differ by state and by federal season; see the regulations file. Florida Museum notes ciguatera has been reported but is very rare.

Recipes for gag

Typical: unknown. Large: More than 3 ft and up to 50 lb (NOAA); maximum 4.75 ft and 80.5 lb (Florida Museum).

Limits

FishOS has not checked the FL limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before you keep a fish.

Sources

• Florida Sportsman (David A. Brown, Nov 2024): patch reef fishing close to the Florida Keys (Angler knowledge)
• Florida FWC: Where to Saltwater Fish (species and seasons by county, Nassau to Monroe) (Official source)
• Florida Museum, Discover Fishes: gag grouper (Official source)
• NOAA Fisheries: gag grouper (Official source)

All the fish of Florida Keys