The Brief Florida's 2026 recreational gag grouper season in Gulf state waters will run from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, aligning with federal NOAA Fisheries regulations. Private boat anglers targeting gag grouper must obtain the free, annual State Reef Fish Angler Designation before heading out on the water. The 2026 recreational fishing season for gag grouper in Florida’s Gulf state waters has been set. According to NOAA Fisheries – who manages fisheries in federal Gulf waters – the recreational season for gag grouper is closed from Jan 1 to August 31. Gag Grouper.