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Atlantic Blueline Tilefish Season Open May 1-July 18, 2024

FWC issued an executive order to modify the 2024 recreational blueline tilefish season in Atlantic state waters, including Monroe County, to be May 1- July 18, consistent with the Atlantic federal season.

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Gulf State

Minimum Size Limit: None

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

Season: Open year-round

Atlantic State

Minimum Size Limit: None

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

Season: Open year-round

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

Season:

  • Gulf: Year-round
  • Atlantic: Closed, reopens January 1, 2025

 

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: 2 blueline tilefish within the three-fish aggregate bag limit for grouper and tilefish in Atlantic state waters.

Captain and crew bag limit retention prohibited.

Season: Open May 1- July 18

Federal - Gulf and Atlantic

Minimum Size Limit: None

Daily Bag Limit: 

  • Gulf: Included in 20 reef fish aggregate
  • Atlantic: 2 per person within the three-fish aggregate bag limit for grouper and tilefish.
    • Captain and crew bag limit retention prohibited

Season:

  • Gulf: Year round
  • Atlantic: Open May 1 - July 18
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