‘NOAA Fisheries Service announces a final rule that increases the red grouper bag limit from two to four fish (recreational) in the four-fish grouper aggregate bag limit.’
With some exceptions, don’t expect to catch more red grouper to fill out that 4 fish limit, since the keeper to catch ratio is roughly 1 keeper for every 100 red grouper caught inside 80 feet according to some recreational charter captains.
‘The rule also increases the commercial quota of red grouper. Because red grouper is a part of the shallow-water grouper complex, this also requires an increase in the shallow-water grouper quota. The final rule will be effective November 2, 2011.’
Keep in mind the increase for commercial operations increases their take of undersize red grouper since commercials can keep 18 inch fish. The recreational limit on size is 20 inches. Where is the justice in that?