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Gag Grouper Regulations in Mississippi (2026)

Recreational gag grouper rules in Mississippi saltwater, as published by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Size limit
Minimum length in inches: 24 TL
Bag limit
Number of fish bag/possession: 2
Season
Gag Grouper opening from September 1, 2026, through September 30…

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Recreational Gag Grouper rules in Mississippi

Where
Statewide
Size limit
Minimum length in inches: 24 TL
Bag limit
Number of fish bag/possession: 2
Possession
Number of fish bag/possession: 2
Season
Gag Grouper opening from September 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026 | Under the authority of Mississippi Code Ann § 49-15-15, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources does hereby order that: The recreational fishing season for Gag (Mycteroperca microlepis) shall open in Mississippi territorial waters at 12:01 a.m., local time, on September 1, 2026 and shall close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on October 1, 2026.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule
Where
Statewide
Size limit
Minimum length in inches: 22 TL | Title 22: Gag Grouper – twenty-four (24) inches (total length).
Bag limit
Number of Fish Bag/Possession: No Limit
Possession
Number of Fish Bag/Possession: No Limit
  • Size differs between the Commercial Catch Limits page (22 TL) and Title 22 Part 3 Rule 8.1(A)(17); Title 22 values are used ('Regulatory language listed in associated parts of Title 22 supersedes information listed below').
  • Title 22, Part 3, Rule 8.1(D): It is unlawful to sell, barter or trade any species of reef fish (identified in Chapter 08 Sections A7 through A24 without possessing the proper federal permits and/or licenses required by the NOAA Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan and complying with any other conditions set forth by federal or state regulations for the management of the identified reef fish.
  • Title 22, Part 3, Rule 3.1 It is unlawful to commercially take finfish from the marine waters north of the CSX bridges in the three (3) coastal counties of Mississippi, except for any euryhaline species of minnow in the Pascagoula River system.
  • Title 22, Part 3, Rule 4.1 Vessel Decal Requirements A. The seafood privilege tax license decal must be displayed on each vessel engaged in commercial fishing activities but will not be valid without the proper commercial harvester’s license. The decal must be displayed next to the state registration number or federal documentation number. B. The seafood privilege tax license decal must be displayed on each vessel engaged in charter fishing activities but will not be valid without the proper Mississippi charter license. The decal must be displayed next to the state registration number or federal documentation number.
  • Federal Regulations may differ from state regulations. Please refer to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council for Federal Regulations at (888) 833-1844 or www.gulfcouncil.org.
  • NOTE: Fishing seasons for some species may be closed by order of the Commission on Marine Resources. Advance notice of such closures will be given.
  • Regulatory language listed in associated parts of Title 22 supersedes information listed below.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the gag grouper size limit in Mississippi?

Minimum length in inches: 24 TL.

How many gag grouper can I keep in Mississippi?

Number of fish bag/possession: 2.

When is gag grouper season in Mississippi?

Gag Grouper opening from September 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026 | Under the authority of Mississippi Code Ann § 49-15-15, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources does hereby order that: The recreational fishing season for Gag (Mycteroperca microlepis) shall open in Mississippi territorial waters at 12:01 a.m., local time, on September 1, 2026 and shall close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on October 1, 2026.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

Compare Gag Grouper limits in other states →

More reef fish in Mississippi

All Mississippi saltwater fishing regulations →

Source: Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. Most anglers need a Mississippi saltwater license or registry: get one here.