Alabama state waters, out to 3 miles
Listed as a Gulf reef fish grouper; covered by the generic 4-grouper aggregate bag.
AL MRD 2026 · checked · likely · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
Vessel limit, not per-person: no more than 1 speckled hind per vessel per day.
NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked 2026-09-20
Often mistaken for
Red hindRed spots on pale body — the inverse pattern. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
Alabama state record
Outdoor Alabama Saltwater State Records · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Chocolate body absolutely covered in tiny white speckles. More on the speckled hind page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Speckled hind in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for speckled hind in Alabama?
No size limit.
How many speckled hind can you keep in Alabama?
4 per person within 4-grouper aggregate. Aggregate: Grouper aggregate (4).
When is speckled hind season in Alabama?
Open when federal Gulf waters are open (currently year-round).
What is the Alabama record speckled hind?
39 lb 13 oz (2011).
How current is this Alabama speckled hind rule?
Source: AL MRD 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
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