What is the size limit for gag grouper in Louisiana?

24 in total length. Measured as total length: snout to the tip of the tail, tail lobes squeezed together.

When is gag grouper season in Louisiana?

Closed Jan. 1–Aug. 31; open Sept. 1–Dec. 31, quota may close it early. As of Sep 21, 2026 it is open.

How current is this Louisiana gag grouper rule?

Source: LDWF 2026, last checked Sep 7, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.

Gag grouper in Louisiana: size, bag and season limits (2026)

Louisiana state waters, out to 3 miles

Size24 in total lengthTotal length: snout to the tip of the tail, tail lobes squeezed together

Bag4 per person in grouper aggregate, max 2 gagAggregate: 4-grouper aggregate

SeasonClosed Jan. 1–Aug. 31; open Sept. 1–Dec. 31, quota may close it earlyOpen today

Closed today; opens Sept. 1.

LDWF 2026 · checked 2026-09-07 · the official rulebook is the final word

Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule

Size24 in total lengthTotal length

Bag2 per person within 4-fish grouper aggregate

Season2026 season: Sep 1 - Sep 30 (closes 12:01 a.m. Oct 1)

Season set annually by quota projection; 2026 window confirmed by NOAA bulletin.

NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked 2026-09-20

Often mistaken for

Studio photograph of a Black Grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci), side view, on a white background

Black grouperRectangular dark blotches, brassy spots. Tell them apart

Size24 in total length

Bag4 per person in grouper aggregate

SeasonOpen year-round; closed Feb. 1–Mar. 31 seaward of the 20-fathom line

Keep the wrong fish and its rule applies.

Louisiana state record

74.43 lbVenice, La, 2013

LOWA Louisiana State Fish Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23

How to tell it
Box-shaped worm markings in gray marble; darker fins with white edge on the anal. More on the gag grouper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Gag grouper in other states11 rulebooks
Alabama Florida (Atlantic)Florida (Gulf)Georgia Maryland Mississippi North Carolina South Carolina Texas Virginia Every state
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for gag grouper in Louisiana?
24 in total length. Measured as total length: snout to the tip of the tail, tail lobes squeezed together.
How many gag grouper can you keep in Louisiana?
4 per person in grouper aggregate, max 2 gag. Aggregate: 4-grouper aggregate.
When is gag grouper season in Louisiana?
Closed Jan. 1–Aug. 31; open Sept. 1–Dec. 31, quota may close it early. As of Sep 21, 2026 it is open.
What is the Louisiana record gag grouper?
74.43 lb, Venice, La (2013).
How current is this Louisiana gag grouper rule?
Source: LDWF 2026, last checked Sep 7, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.

Gag grouperin Louisiana