Amberjack season to reopen Aug. 1

Recreational quota could be met by mid-September, NOAA says

Recreational fishing for greater amberjack will resume at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, with the minimum size continuing to be 30 inches fork length, according to a press release from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Fork length is measured from the tip of a fish’s closed mouth to the center of the tail fork.

There is a one fish per person daily bag limit, and captains of charter vessels may not retain a bag limit, the release states.

Preliminary landings indicate the recreational quota could be met by mid- to late September, according to the release.

NOAA Fisheries is currently reviewing a recommendation by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to increase the minimum recreational size for amberjack to 34 inches fork length. The public will be notified when that rule is finalized, according to the release.