Eastern Gulf of Mexico (10–30 Miles Offshore)
Planning an offshore trip in the Gulf? Here’s a simple breakdown of the 2026 federal fishing seasons for waters 10–30 miles offshore. These are federal regulations and may change based on NOAA quota updates.
🟥 Snapper Family
- Red Snapper: June 1 – TBD
⚠️ Season may close early if quota is reached - Vermilion Snapper: Open year-round
- Lane Snapper: Open year-round
- Mangrove (Gray) Snapper: Open year-round
- Yellowtail Snapper: Open year-round
- Mutton Snapper: Open year-round
- Cubera Snapper: Open year-round
- Queen Snapper: Open year-round
- Blackfin Snapper: Open year-round
- Schoolmaster / Wenchman: Open year-round
🟫 Grouper Species
- Red Grouper: Open year-round (quota adjustments possible)
- Gag Grouper: TBD (expected Fall 2026 reopening)
- Scamp Grouper: Open year-round
- Rock Hind / Coney: Open year-round
- Yellowedge / Snowy / Warsaw / Speckled Hind: Open year-round
🟧 Amberjack & Jacks
- Greater Amberjack: August 1 – October 31 (TBD confirmation)
- Almaco Jack: Open year-round
- Banded Rudderfish: Open year-round
- Lesser Amberjack: Open year-round
🟦 Triggerfish & Filefish
- Gray Triggerfish:
- March 1 – May 31
- August 1 – December 31
- Unicorn Filefish: Open year-round
- Scrawled Filefish: Open year-round
🟩 Porgy, Grunt & Hogfish
- Hogfish (Gulf): May 1 – October 31 (TBD)
- Porgies (Red, Jolthead, Whitebone, Grass): Open year-round
- Grunts / Spadefish / Tomtate: Open year-round
🐋 Pelagic & Migratory Species
All listed species are open year-round:
- King Mackerel
- Spanish Mackerel
- Cobia (quota-managed)
- Blackfin Tuna
- Mahi Mahi (best fishing May–October)
- Wahoo
- African Pompano / Rainbow Runner
🦈 Sharks (Federal HMS Permit Required)
- Blacktip, Bull, Spinner, Lemon: Open year-round (quota limits apply)
- Hammerhead Sharks: Open year-round (size restrictions apply)
- Pelagic Sharks (Mako, Thresher, Oceanic Whitetip): Open year-round
- Prohibited Species (Dusky, Sand Tiger, etc.):
❌ Closed year-round (illegal to keep)
⚠️ Important Notes
- Federal seasons are subject to change based on NOAA regulations.
- Some species (Red Snapper, Amberjack, Triggerfish) may close early when quotas are met.
- Always check for latest updates before your trip.
- Shark fishing requires a federal HMS permit.
📌 Final Tip
If you’re booking an offshore trip, target year-round species for the most consistent action—but time your trip right if you’re chasing Red Snapper or Amberjack, since those seasons are limited and fill fast.