Virginia state waters, out to 3 miles
No-take coastwide under federal rules; VA itself lists only the 1-fish grouper aggregate
VMRC 2026 · checked · likely · the official rulebook is the final word
How to tell it
Enormous rounded tan-brown grouper with small eyes and faint bars; can top 500 lb. More on the goliath grouper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Goliath grouper in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep goliath grouper in Virginia?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Virginia. Release it in the water where you can. No-take coastwide under federal rules; VA itself lists only the 1-fish grouper aggregate
How current is this Virginia goliath 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.
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