Gag Fishing Season Shuttered Early in Gulf of America
Published Date: 5/21/2026
Rule
Summary
If you love fishing for gag in the Gulf of America, heads up! The 2026 recreational season opens September 1 but will close early on October 1 because fishers are expected to hit the catch limit. This temporary closure helps protect gag fish and keeps the fishery healthy through the end of the year.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
2026 Gulf gag season shortened
If you fish for gag in the Gulf EEZ, the 2026 recreational season opens on September 1, 2026 and will close on October 1, 2026. Recreational harvest of gag will remain closed from October 1 through December 31, 2026.
Zero bag/possession limits during closure
During the closure from October 1 through December 31, 2026, the recreational bag and possession limits for gag harvested in or from the Gulf EEZ are zero. Also, possession of gag is prohibited in state waters for any vessel issued a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish.
2026 ACL and ACT trigger closure
For the 2026 recreational sector, the annual catch limit (ACL) for gag is 499,000 lb and the annual catch target (ACT) is 399,000 lb. NMFS will close the recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year if projected recreational landings reach the ACT, per 50 CFR 622.41(d)(2)(ii).
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