re: Spec Trout fishing disaster, had to release a 26 inches in Corpus Christi bay this morning

It popped up in one of my feeds. I can't seem to find a duration on the Noaa page but it does say it will open September 1st. I know several Captains along the Gulf I have spoken to were doubtful we would even get a Gag season this year.


AI Overview
The 2026 recreational gag grouper season in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico is set to open on September 1, 2026, with an estimated season length of 25-34 days. This follows a Gulf Council meeting update; exact closing dates depend on projected landings. Separately, the South Atlantic 2026 gag season is confirmed for May 1–August 2.
NOAA Fisheries (.gov)
NOAA Fisheries (.gov)
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Key 2026 Gulf Gag Grouper Details
Opening Date: September 1, 2026 (Recreational).
Season Duration: Estimated 25-34 days, with final dates pending updated projections.
Commercial Season: Opens January 1, 2026, with specific Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) requirements.
Management Area: Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
NOAA Fisheries (.gov)
NOAA Fisheries (.gov)
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For official in-season updates, monitor NOAA Fisheries Southeast.

Slot limits and lowered bag limits on "popular" species is a stop gap measure that allows some limited fishing to continue. If environmental degradation isn't reversed and pressure remains relatively constant our grandkids will see closed seasons where certain species caught in ANY manner could result in a violation along with severe restrictions on methods (live bait particularly) and creel limits that will make those we have today seem like those in the 1970s. Its a pain for those who like to keep fish but unfortunately it is the reality of current conditions...environmental degradation is killing sportfishing and only sport fisherman care and we do no care enough.