Black Grouper
Mycteroperca bonaci
How to tell it
Rectangular dark blotches over brassy-bronze spots; gently rounded preopercle (no gag notch).
Rules for
Every state
| State | Size | Bag | Season | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 24 in total length minimum | 4 per person within 4-grouper aggregate | Follows federal waters: open Jul 1–Dec 31; closed Jan 1–Jun 30ADCNR Marine Resources (Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-3-.46(1)); 50 CFR 622.34(h) · checked | Open |
| Florida (Atlantic) | 24 in TL min | 1 gag or black combined within 3-grouper aggregate; 2 per vessel | Open May 1-Dec 31FWC 2026 (grouper-regs-1026, eff. Oct 28) · checked | Open |
| Florida (Gulf) | 24 in TL min | Up to 4 within 4-grouper aggregate | Open year-roundFWC 2026 · checked | Open |
| GeorgiaFederal rule (South Atlantic federal waters) | 24 in total length | 1 per day (gag or black grouper combined; max 2 per vessel), within 3-grouper aggregate | May 1 – Dec 31 (shallow-water grouper spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)NOAA SERO; 91 FR 61160 (Sep 28, 2026); 50 CFR 622.187(b)(2)(i) · checked | Open |
| Louisiana | 24 in total length | 4 per person in grouper aggregate | Open year-round; closed Feb. 1–Mar. 31 seaward of the 20-fathom lineLDWF 2026 · checked | Open |
| Maryland | No size limit | 1 (all groupers combined) | Open year-roundMD DNR 2026 · likely · checked | Open |
| Mississippi | 24 in total length minimum | 4 per person per day (grouper aggregate) | Open year-roundMS DMR 2026 · checked | Open |
| North CarolinaFederal rule (South Atlantic federal waters) | 24 in total length | 1 per day (gag or black grouper combined; max 2 per vessel), within 3-grouper aggregate | May 1 – Dec 31 (shallow-water grouper spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)NOAA SERO; 91 FR 61160 (Sep 28, 2026); 50 CFR 622.187(b)(2)(i) · checked | Open |
| South Carolina | 24 in total length | 1/day gag or black grouper (not both), within 3-grouper aggregate | Open year-roundSC DNR 2026 · checked | Open |
| Texas | 24 in total length | 4 | Open year-roundTPWD 2026 · checked | Open |
| Virginia | No size limit | 1 grouper per person (all grouper species combined) | Open year-roundVMRC 2026 · likely · checked | Open |
Not specifically regulated in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island: each state’s rule for unlisted species applies there (on its page).
State records
| State | Weight | When, where | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 106 lb 3.2 oz | 2012 | Outdoor Alabama Saltwater State Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Connecticut | 1 lb 4 oz | 2012 · Millstone Outflow | CT DEEP Saltwater State Record Fish (Harvested) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Florida | 113.38 lb | 1990 · Dry Tortugas | FWC Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Louisiana | 109.5 lb | 2026 · Gulf of America | LOWA Louisiana State Fish Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-28 |
| Mississippi | 11 lb 0.16 oz | 2000 | MDMR State Saltwater Records (Conventional) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Texas | 124 lb | 2003 · Gulf of America | TPWD State Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23 |
How anglers catch it
Live bait on heavy tackle over ledges and wrecks, or a deep-diving plug trolled slowly along the reef.
On the table
Excellent; large reef fish carry some ciguatera risk.
In the app
Point the camera at a black grouper and the name appears before you take the picture, with these rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed, and every catch goes in the log.
Get the appQuestions anglers ask about black grouper
What is the size limit for black grouper?
It depends on the state. Alabama: 24 in total length minimum; Florida (Atlantic): 24 in TL min; Florida (Gulf): 24 in TL min; Georgia: 24 in total length; Louisiana: 24 in total length; Mississippi: 24 in total length minimum; North Carolina: 24 in total length; South Carolina: 24 in total length; and more in the table above.
How many black grouper can you keep?
Alabama: 4 per person within 4-grouper aggregate; Florida (Atlantic): 1 gag or black combined within 3-grouper aggregate; 2 per vessel; Florida (Gulf): Up to 4 within 4-grouper aggregate; Georgia: 1 per day (gag or black grouper combined; max 2 per vessel), within 3-grouper aggregate; Louisiana: 4 per person in grouper aggregate; Maryland: 1 (all groupers combined); Mississippi: 4 per person per day (grouper aggregate); North Carolina: 1 per day (gag or black grouper combined; max 2 per vessel), within 3-grouper aggregate; and more in the table above.
When is black grouper season?
Alabama: Follows federal waters: open Jul 1–Dec 31; closed Jan 1–Jun 30; Florida (Atlantic): Open May 1-Dec 31; Georgia: May 1 – Dec 31 (shallow-water grouper spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30); North Carolina: May 1 – Dec 31 (shallow-water grouper spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30).
How do you catch black grouper?
Live bait on heavy tackle over ledges and wrecks, or a deep-diving plug trolled slowly along the reef. Methods: bottom, live bait, trolling. Baits: pinfish, cigar minnow, sardine, squid. Lures: diving plug, bucktail.
What is the record black grouper?
124 lb in Texas (2003), Gulf of America. Other states’ records are in the table.