Black Grouper Regulations in Alabama (2026)

Where

Statewide

Size limit

Minimum Length in Inches: 24" TL

Bag limit

Commercial Possession: see (1) and (4)

Possession

Commercial Possession: see (1) and (4)

Season

Season closes in state waters for Gulf Reef Fish, king mackerel, and sharks upon closure of federal waters.

• Anglers fishing for, retaining, possessing, or landing gulf reef fish species (as defined in Rule 220-3-.46) must use non-stainless steel circle hooks when using natural bait.
• Gulf Reef Fish - Fishermen taking Gulf Reef Fish for commercial purposes from Alabama waters must fish from a vessel holding a federal reef-fish commercial vessel permit and an Individual Fishing Quota for such species that require one. The operator of those vessels permitted to land gulf reef fish are required to present, to any seafood dealer purchasing the Gulf Reef Fish, their federal vessel permit and Alabama Commercial Fishing License. Any vessel or individual required to possess a federal permit by the Gulf of America Reef Fish Management Plan or permit by the Coastal Migratory Pelagics Management Plan (to be exempt from bag limit requirements) must possess such permit to possess or land such fish in Alabama. Alabama seafood dealers may purchase other seafood from federally permitted fishermen fishing the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) only if such fishermen possess a state commercial fishing license. Commercial fishermen landing Gulf Reef Fish in Alabama that are mandated under IFQ shall abide by 50 CFR Part 622 for landing, off loading, transporting, and reporting.
• A Reef Fish Endorsement will be available for purchase for recreational licenses beginning August 21, 2023. Commercial license sales will begin on September 11, 2023 . The Reef Fish Endorsement will be required for any person possessing, taking or attempting to take any gulf reef fish species listed in Rule 220-3-.46 (see below). This endorsement is required for all resident and non-resident anglers 16 years of age and older, and includes disabled, veterans appreciation, 65 and older, lifetime license holders, pier licenses, annual saltwater licenses, trip licenses, commercial fishermen, and charter boats.
• When adjoining federal waters are closed then state waters are closed to the taking of gulf reef fish, king mackerel, and sharks. Commercially licensed Alabama gillnet fishermen targeting other fish may have an incidental by-catch of dressed weight sharks totaling no more than 10% by weight of other fish taken.
• Commercially licensed fishermen can sell their catch only to a licensed Alabama seafood dealer.
• Saltwater finfish commercially harvested in the state of Alabama must be landed in this state and reported through a properly licensed Alabama seafood dealer.
• All finfish shall be maintained with heads and fins intact. Sharks, swordfish, and tuna may be landed in a form permitted by federal regulations.
• MRD page version: Commercial Saltwater Fishing License - June 2025

Official source