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
Often mistaken for
Black grouperRectangular dark blotches, brassy spots. Tell them apartSizeNo size limit
Bag1 grouper per person (all grouper species combined)
SeasonOpen year-round
Keep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
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
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for gag grouper in Virginia?
No size limit.
How many gag grouper can you keep in Virginia?
1 grouper per person (all grouper species combined). Counts toward the Grouper (all species) aggregate.
When is gag grouper season in Virginia?
Open year-round.
How current is this Virginia gag 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 gag grouper in Virginia and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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