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 warsaw grouper per vessel per day.
NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked 2026-09-20
Alabama state record
Outdoor Alabama Saltwater State Records · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Deep-water giant; the only grouper with 10 dorsal spines and an elongated second spine. More on the Warsaw grouper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Warsaw grouper in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for Warsaw grouper in Alabama?
No size limit.
How many Warsaw grouper can you keep in Alabama?
4 per person within 4-grouper aggregate. Aggregate: Grouper aggregate (4).
When is Warsaw grouper season in Alabama?
Open when federal Gulf waters are open (currently year-round).
What is the Alabama record Warsaw grouper?
226 lb (1981).
How current is this Alabama Warsaw grouper 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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