Virginia state waters, out to 3 miles
SizeNo size limit
Bag1 grouper per person (all grouper species combined)Counts toward the Grouper (all species) aggregate
SeasonOpen year-roundOpen today
VMRC 2026 · checked · likely · the official rulebook is the final word
How to tell it
Rectangular dark blotches over brassy-bronze spots; gently rounded preopercle (no gag notch). More on the black grouper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Black grouper in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for black grouper in Virginia?
No size limit.
How many black grouper can you keep in Virginia?
1 grouper per person (all grouper species combined). Counts toward the Grouper (all species) aggregate.
When is black grouper season in Virginia?
Open year-round.
How current is this Virginia black grouper rule?
Source: VMRC 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.
In the appPoint the camera at a black grouper in Virginia and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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