The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council reminds anglers that the recreational harvest of gag opens in the Gulf of Mexico federal waters July 1, 2012 and closes October 31, 2012.

Gag is considered overfished, meaning the population is too low, and experiencing overfishing, meaning the rate of removal is too high. The Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires that overfished stocks be rebuilt and that overfishing be stopped. The July 1 - October 31 recreational season was established as one of the management measures designed to help achieve rebuilding and end overfishing of gag in the Gulf of Mexico.

Federal regulations can change frequently. To download the latest regulations (dated 6/1/12), please visit: http://www.gulfcouncil.org/fishing_regulations/index.php, or call 813-348-1630 to request a copy.