Restrictions on snook, grouper fishing change in Florida

By The Associated Press
Published: January 29, 2012

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TALLAHASSEE — Several species of grouper will be off-limits in state waters in the Gulf of Mexico, while snook fishing is set to reopen on Florida's Atlantic coast.

State wildlife officials say harvesting eight species of grouper will be closed for the season from Wednesday through March 31 in state waters in the Gulf of Mexico, except in Monroe County.

Gag grouper is included in that ban because, officials say, too many are being caught to sustain the population.

Meanwhile, the recreational harvest season for snook reopens Wednesday in Florida's Atlantic coastal and inland waters. That includes Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River.

Fishermen may keep one snook between 28 and 32 inches long per day. It remains illegal to buy or sell snook.