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Regulation Update

FWC approved rule changes for recreational harvest of Atlantic red porgy, snowy grouper and blueline tilefish to be consistent with current and pending regulations in adjacent Atlantic federal waters.

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Gulf State

Minimum Size Limit: None

Daily Bag Limit: 100 pounds or 2 per person, whichever is greater

Atlantic State

Minimum Size Limit: None

Daily Bag Limit: 1 per person within the 3 grouper aggregate

Federal - Gulf and Atlantic

Minimum Size Limit: None

Daily Bag Limit:

  • Gulf: Included in the 20 reef fish aggregate
  • Atlantic: 1 per person, within 3 grouper/tilefish aggregate

Gulf State

Minimum Size Limit: None

Daily Bag Limit: 100 pounds or 2 per person, whichever is greater

Atlantic State

Minimum Size Limit: None 

Daily Bag Limit: 3 blueline tilefish within the three-fish aggregate bag limit for grouper and tilefish in Atlantic state waters.

Season: Open May 1- Aug. 31

Federal - Gulf and Atlantic

Minimum Size Limit: None

Daily Bag Limit: 

  • Gulf: Included in 20 reef fish aggregate
  • Atlantic: 3 per person.

Season:

  • Gulf: Year round
  • Atlantic: Open May 1- Aug. 31
Golden tilefish

Gear Requirements

Description

Tilefish inhabit the outer continental shelf and upper continental slope along the entire east coast of the United States and the Gulf of Mexico south to Venezuela. They are found in waters from 250-1,500 feet deep, where bottom temperatures range from 49° to 58° F. Individuals live in cone-shaped burrows, and concentrate in small groups or pods. Females are smaller than males, although whether or not the species displays hermaphrodism is unknown. Tilefish feed during the day on the bottom on crustaceans, clams, snails, worms, anemones and sea cucumbers.

Image courtesy of Duane Raver