Yellowmouth Grouper
Mycteroperca interstitialis
How to tell it
Yellow mouth corners, tan-bronze mottle; scamp look-alike.
Rules for
Every state
| State | Size | Bag | Season | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No size limit | 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) · likely · checked | Open |
| Florida (Atlantic) | 20 in TL min | Up to 3 within 3-grouper aggregate | Open May 1-Dec 31FWC 2026 · checked | Open |
| Florida (Gulf) | 20 in TL min | Up to 4 within 4-grouper aggregate | Open year-roundFWC 2026 · checked | Open |
| GeorgiaFederal rule (South Atlantic federal waters) | 20 in total length | 1 per person per day (scamp or yellowmouth combined), within 3-grouper aggregate | May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked | Open |
| Louisiana | No size limit | 4 per person in grouper aggregate | Open year-round; closed Feb. 1–Mar. 31 seaward of the 20-fathom lineLDWF 2026 · likely · checked | Open |
| Maryland | No size limit | 1 (all groupers combined) | Open year-roundMD DNR 2026 · likely · checked | Open |
| Mississippi | No size limit | No individual limit (within 4-grouper aggregate) | Open year-roundMS DMR 2026 · checked | Open |
| North CarolinaFederal rule (South Atlantic federal waters) | 20 in total length | 1 per person per day (scamp or yellowmouth combined), within 3-grouper aggregate | May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked | Open |
| South Carolina | No size limit in state waters | 3-grouper aggregate (federal sub-limit: 1 scamp or yellowmouth combined) | Open year-round in state watersSC DNR 2026 · checked | Open |
| TexasFederal rule (Gulf federal waters) | No size limit | Within 4-grouper aggregate (4 groupers combined per person per day) | Open Jul 1–Dec 31; closed Jan 1–Jun 30NOAA SERO / 50 CFR 622.34(h) (91 FR 36545); 20-fathom closure removed by NOAA FB26-058 (Gulf Amendment 62 final rule, effective Oct 2, 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 | 12 lb 6.72 oz | 2019 | Outdoor Alabama Saltwater State Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Louisiana | 23 lb | 2002 · Mississippi Canyon | LOWA Louisiana State Fish Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| North Carolina | 23 lb 3 oz | 2024 · Off Calabash | NCDMF State Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-22 |
| South Carolina | 22 lb 8 oz | 2001 · Murrells Inlet | SCDNR Saltwater Game Fish Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Texas | 24.5 lb | 2004 · Gulf of America | TPWD State Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23 |
On the table
Excellent.
In the app
Point the camera at a yellowmouth 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 yellowmouth grouper
What is the size limit for yellowmouth grouper?
It depends on the state. Florida (Atlantic): 20 in TL min; Florida (Gulf): 20 in TL min; Georgia: 20 in total length; North Carolina: 20 in total length.
How many yellowmouth grouper can you keep?
Alabama: 4 per person within 4-grouper aggregate; Florida (Atlantic): Up to 3 within 3-grouper aggregate; Florida (Gulf): Up to 4 within 4-grouper aggregate; Georgia: 1 per person per day (scamp or yellowmouth combined), within 3-grouper aggregate; Louisiana: 4 per person in grouper aggregate; Maryland: 1 (all groupers combined); Mississippi: No individual limit (within 4-grouper aggregate); North Carolina: 1 per person per day (scamp or yellowmouth combined), within 3-grouper aggregate; and more in the table above.
When is yellowmouth 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 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30); North Carolina: May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30); Texas: Open Jul 1–Dec 31; closed Jan 1–Jun 30.
What is the record yellowmouth grouper?
24.5 lb in Texas (2004), Gulf of America. Other states’ records are in the table.