The Spanish mackerel is an attractive yet delicious species of fish that can be found in many coastal regions throughout the world. It is a popular choice among recreational anglers and commercial fishing operations alike. In fact, it is a popular target among inland anglers as well due to its abundance and accessibility. One of the most frequent questions asked by anglers is “how big do Spanish mackerel have to be to keep?” Understanding the size restrictions for keeping this species is important for the sustainability of the species and for the responsible use of natural resources. This blog post will provide an overview of the size regulations for keeping Spanish mackerel, as well as tips for determining the size of the fish you catch. We hope that this post helps you to become a more responsible angler and to enjoy your catch in a sustainable and responsible way.
The Video That Started It All
A Spanish mackerel and a young kingfish may appear VERY similar to unsuspecting fishermen, but there are some significant differences between the two. First of all, I have witnessed numerous inexperienced fishermen leave the pier with dozens of undersized king mackerel when they mistook them for Spanish mackerel and paid the price with a sizable fine from an FWC official. Second, as a Florida fisherman, you have no excuse for not learning about the species that inhabit our waters.
My girlfriend and I had caught all three species of mackerel found in Florida waters when we went offshore one day. Video below!.
This had given me the ideal chance to create a video showcasing the variations between these 3 mackerel. Video Found Below!.
B. When fishing from a boat or vessel, the possession limits must be for the boat or vessel and must equal the number of people on board who are legally allowed to fish multiplied by 15 for Spanish mackerel or multiplied by three for king mackerel. Any boat or vessel possession restrictions must be handled by the boat or vessel’s captain or operator.
As set forth in §28. Any person who violates a provision of this chapter is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor under Virginia Code Section 2-903, and a Class l misdemeanor for a second or subsequent violation of a provision of this chapter committed by the same person within a year of the first violation.
“Total length” refers to the length of a fish measured in a straight line, not over the curve of the body, from the tip of the longer caudal fin, measured with the tail compressed along the midline, to the most forward projection of the snout, with the mouth closed.
B. When the National Marine Fisheries Service announces a commercial closure in federal waters for the Northern Zone Atlantic Migratory Group Spanish Mackerel, it is forbidden for anyone to possess or land Spanish mackerel in Virginia from any vessel in excess of 500 pounds in any given day. The Marine Resources Commission website will post this federal closure and the state water possession limit per trip.
This is a certification that the chapter above was approved by the Marine Resources Commission in accordance with the authority granted to the Commission by Section 28. At a meeting held in Hampton, Virginia, on August 25, 2020, the Commission adopted Resolution 2-201 of the Code of Virginia, duly advertised in accordance with law, and noted in the Commission’s minute book.
Spanish Mackerel Permit – Atlantic Northern Zone (NC – NY/RI/CT line)
32°07’N marks the northern boundary of Beaufort 45 Foot Reef. 65′ N. lat. ; on the south by 32°06. 65′ N. lat. ; on the east by 80°28. 80′ W. long. ; and on the west by 80°29. 80′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper, either while fishing in the SMZ or afterward, is proof that the fish was caught using a powerhead there. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be taken and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Betsy Ross Reef.
Betsy Ross Reef is bounded on the north by 32°03. 60′ N. lat. ; on the south by 32°02. 88′ N. lat. ; on the east by 80°24. 57′ W. long. ; and on the west by 80°25. 50′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. All King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Cobia are coastal migratory pelagic fish, and their harvest and possession are restricted to the recreational bag limit within the Special Management Zone (SMZ). Bill Perry Jr Reef.
Bill Perry Jr. Reef is bounded on the north by 33°26. 20′ N. lat. ; on the south by 33°25. 20′ N. lat. ; on the east by 78°32. 70′ W. long. ; and on the west by 78°33. 80′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be taken and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Blake Ridge Diapir.
No one is allowed to use a bottom longline, bottom trawl (mid-water or bottom), dredge, pot, or trap in Blake Ridge Diapir. Anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain if on a fishing vessel. on a fishing vessel, collect coral or possess coral in or from the Deepwater Coral HAPC. BP 25 Reef.
BP-25 Reef is bounded on the north by 33°21. 70′ N. lat. ; on the south by 33°20. 70′ N. lat. ; on the east by 78°24. 80′ W. long. ; and on the west by 78°25. 60′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. South Atlantic snapper-grouper harvest and possession are restricted to the 622 bag limits. 187(b). Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Cape Fear Lophelia Banks.
No one is allowed to use a bottom longline, bottom trawl (mid-water or bottom), dredge, pot, or trap in Cape Fear Lophelia Banks. Anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain if on a fishing vessel. on a fishing vessel, collect coral or possess coral in or from the Deepwater Coral HAPC. Cape Lookout Lophelia Banks.
No one is allowed to use a bottom longline, bottom trawl (mid-water or bottom), dredge, pot, or trap in Cape Lookout Lophelia Banks. Anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain if on a fishing vessel. on a fishing vessel, collect coral or possess coral in or from the Deepwater Coral HAPC. Cape Romain Reef.
Cape Romain Reef is bounded on the north by 33°00. 00′ N. lat. ; on the south by 32°59. 50′ N. lat. ; on the east by 79°02. 01′ W. long. ; and on the west by 79°02. 62′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be harvested and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Capers Reef.
Capers Reef is bounded on the north by 32°45. 45′ N. lat. ; on the south by 32°43. 91′ N. lat. ; on the east by 79°33. 81′ W. long. ; and on the west by 79°35. 10′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. All King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Cobia are coastal migratory pelagic fish, and their harvest and possession are restricted to the recreational bag limit within the Special Management Zone (SMZ). Charleston 60ft Reef.
The north boundary of Charleston 60 Foot Reef is 32°33′. 60′ N. lat. ; on the south by 32°32. 60′ N. lat. ; on the east by 79°39. 70′ W. long. ; and on the west by 79°40. 90′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be harvested and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). CJ Davidson Reef.
CJ Davidson Reef is bounded on the north by 33°06. 48′ N. lat. ; on the south by 33°05. 48′ N. lat. ; on the east by 79°00. 27′ W. long. ; and on the west by 79°01. 39′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be harvested and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Comanche Reef.
Comanche Reef is bounded on the north by 32°27. 40′ N. lat. ; on the south by 32°26. 90′ N. lat. ; on the east by 79°18. 80′ W. long. ; and on the west by 79°19. 60′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. South Atlantic snapper-grouper harvest and possession are restricted to the 622 bag limits. 187(b). Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Devils Hole Spawning SMZ.
Devils Hole SMZ is bordered by rhumb lines that connect, in order: 32° 34 311 N 78° 34. 996 W32° 34. 311 N 78° 33. 220 W32° 32. 748 N 78° 33. 220 W32° 32. 748 N 78° 34. Fishing for, owning, and keeping certain species of snapper grouper is prohibited in the spawning SMZs. Other regulations would govern the harvest and ownership of other species, such as dolphin, mackerel, and tuna. Fishermen are permitted to transit with snapper grouper species on board their vessel if their fishing equipment is stowed in accordance with the rules. Anchoring is prohibited. Properly stowed means:Terminal gear (i. e. , hook, leader, sinker, flasher, or bait) from the automatic reel, bandit gear, buoy gear, hand-line, or rod and reel and stowed separately. The rod and reel need to be taken out of the rod holder and safely stored on or below deck. If all gangions and hooks are disconnected and stowed below deck, the longline may be left on the drum. Hooks cannot be baited. However, buoys can stay on deck after all buoys have been disconnected from the equipment. Keeping a trawl or try net on deck is permitted, but the trawl doors need to be disconnected from the net and secured. Note: Depending on the protected areas and habitat areas of particular concern, this regulation may differ. It is necessary to leave a gill net, stab net, or trammel net on the drum. Additional such nets must be stored below deck if they are not attached to the drum. There is no need to bait a crustacean trap, golden crab trap, or sea bass pot. However, buoys can stay on deck after all buoys have been disconnected from the equipment. Eagles Nest Reef.
Eagles Nest Reef is bounded on the north by 32°01. 48′ N. lat. ; on the south by 32°00. 98′ N. lat. ; on the east by 80°30. 00′ W. long. ; and on the west by 80°30. 65′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be harvested and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Edisto 40ft Reef.
The northern boundary of Edisto 40 Foot Reef is 32°25. 78′ N. lat. ; on the south by 32°24. 78′ N. lat. ; on the east by 80°11. 24′ W. long. ; and on the west by 80°12. 32′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be harvested and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Edisto 60ft Reef.
32°21’N marks the northern boundary of Edisto 60 Foot Reef. 75′ N. lat. ; on the south by 32°20. 75′ N. lat. ; on the east by 80°04. 10′ W. longitude; and on the west by 80°05. 70′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be harvested and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Edisto Offshore Reef.
Edisto Offshore Reef is bounded on the north by 32°15. 30′ N. lat. ; on the south by 32°13. 90′ N. lat. ; on the east by 79°50. 25′ W. long. ; and on the west by 79°51. 45′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. South Atlantic snapper-grouper harvest and possession are restricted to the 622 bag limits. 187(b). Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). EEZ Tortugas North.
Rhumb lines connecting the following points define the perimeter of the area: lat. , 83°06′00″ W. long. to point B at 24°46′00″ N. lat. , 83°06′00″ W. long. to point C at 24°46′00″ N. lat. , 83°00′00″ W. long. ; from point A at 24°40′00′′ N along the line designating the seaward limit of Florida’s waters, as depicted on the most recent version of NOAA chart 11434; lat. , 83°06′00″ W. long. Fishing vessels may not bottom anchor or pursue any species of fishing. Florida Middle Grounds.
The Florida Middle Grounds HAPC is the region enclosed by rhumb lines running from 28°42′ to 5′ N 84°24. 8′ W28°42. 5′ N 84°16. 3′ W28°11. 0′ N 84°00. 0′ W28°11. 0′ N 84°07. 0′ W28°26. 6′ N 84°24. 8′ W28°42. 5′ N 84°24. 8′ WDeployment of a bottom longline, bottom trawl, dredge, pot, or trap is not permitted at any time of the year. Fripp Island Reef.
Fripp Island Reef is bounded on the north by 32°15. 92′ N. lat. ; on the south by 32°14. 75′ N. lat. ; on the east by 80°21. 62′ W. long. ; and on the west by 80°22. 90′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be taken and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Ft Pierce Offshore Reef.
Ft. Pierce Offshore Reef is enclosed by rhumb lines that connect, in order: 27°23 68′ N 80°03. 95′ W27°22. 80′ N 80°03. 60′ W27°23. 94′ N 80°00. 02′ W27°24. 85′ N 80°00. 33′ W27°23. 68′ N 80°03. A hydraulic or electric reel that is permanently attached to the vessel is prohibited when fishing for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Georgetown 95ft Reef 95′ WUse of Sea Bass Pot or Bottom Longline ProhibitedUse of powerhead to take South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper is prohibited
Georgetown 95 Foot Reef’s northern boundary is defined by 33°11 75′ N. lat. ; on the south by 33°10. 75′ N. lat. ; on the east by 78°24. 10′ W. long. ; and on the west by 78°25. 63′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be harvested and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Georgetown Reef.
Georgetown Reef is bounded on the north by 33°14. 90′ N. lat. ; on the south by 33°13. 85′ N. lat. ; on the east by 78°59. 45′ W. long. ; and on the west by 79°00. 65′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be taken and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Greenville Reef.
Greenville Reef is bounded on the north by 32°57. 25′ N. lat. ; on the south by 32°56. 25′ N. lat. ; on the east by 78°54. 25′ W. long. ; and on the west by 78°55. 25′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be harvested and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Hilton Head Reef.
The northern boundary of Hilton Head Reef (Artificial Reef—T) is 32°00 71′ N. lat. ; on the south by 31°59. 42′ N. lat. ; on the east by 80°35. 23′ W. long. ; and on the west by 80°36. 37′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Cobia are coastal migratory pelagic fish, and their harvest and possession are all restricted to the recreational bag limit within the SMZ. Hunting Island Reef
Hunting Island Reef is bounded on the north by 32°13. 72′ N. lat. ; on the south by 32°12. 30′ N. lat. ; on the east by 80°19. 23′ W. long. ; and on the west by 80°21. 00′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. All King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Cobia are coastal migratory pelagic fish, and their harvest and possession are restricted to the recreational bag limit within the Special Management Zone (SMZ). Kiawah Reef.
Kiawah Reef is bounded on the north by 32°29. 78′ N. lat. ; on the south by 32°28. 25′ N. lat. ; on the east by 79°59. 00′ W. long. ; and on the west by 80°00. 95′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be taken and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). L&W Pinnacles and Scamp Reef.
Rhumb lines connecting the following points, in order, define the boundaries of the L & W Pinnacles and Scamp Reef HAPC: 29°18 595′ 87°48. 757′; 29°18. 484′ 87°50. 688′; 29°19. 754′ 87°52. 484′; 29°20. 401′ 87°51. 449′; 29°20. 095′ 87°50. 933′; 29°20. 832′ 87°46. 631′; 29°21. 473′ 87°46. 326′; 29°21. 314′ 87°45. 535′; 29°22. 518′ 87°43. 465′; 29°21. 144′ 87°42. 632′; 29°19. 269′ 87°45. 525′; 29°18. 595′ 87°48. 757′. All year long, fishing vessels are not allowed to deploy bottom longlines, bottom trawls, buoy gear, dredges, pots, or traps, or bottom anchor in the HAPC area. Little River Offshore Reef.
The northern boundary of Little River Offshore Reef is 33°42’N. 10′ N. lat. ; on the south by 33°41. 10′ N. lat. ; on the east by 78°26. 40′ W. long. ; and on the west by 78°27. 10′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be taken and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Madison Swanson.
The following points are connected by rhumb lines that form the perimeter of the Madison and Swanson sites: 29°17′ 85°50′, 29°17′ 85°38′, 29°06′ 85°38′, 29°06′ 85°50′, and 29°17′ 85°50′. Fishing prohibited year-round. Possession of reef fish is prohibited, even for vessels in transit, unless the vessel is equipped with a functional vessel monitoring system, a valid federal commercial Gulf of Mexico reef fish permit, and properly stowed fishing gear. These prohibitions do not apply to Atlantic Highly Migratory Species. Murrels Inlet 60ft Reef.
The northern boundary of Murrels Inlet 60 Foot Reef is 33°17 50′ N. lat. ; on the south by 33°16. 50′ N. lat. ; on the east by 78°44. 67′ W. long. ; and on the west by 78°45. 98′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be harvested and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). New Georgetown 60ft Reef.
The northern boundary of the New Georgetown 60 Foot Reef is 33°09 25′ N. lat. ; on the south by 33°07. 75′ N. lat. ; on the east by 78°49. 95′ W. long. ; and on the west by 78°51. 45′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be harvested and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). North Inlet 45ft Reef.
The northern boundary of North Inlet 45 Foot Reef is 33°21’N. 03′ N. lat. ; on the south by 33°20. 03′ N. lat. ; on the east by 79°00. 31′ W. long. ; and on the west by 79°01. 51′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be harvested and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Oculina Bank Habitat Area of Particular Concern.
No one is allowed to: Use a bottom longline, bottom trawl, dredge, pot, or trap in the Oculina Bank HAPC. Anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain if on a fishing vessel. Fish for or possess rock shrimp in or from the Oculina Bank HAPC, with the exception that a shrimp vessel that is in possession of rock shrimp and has a valid commercial vessel permit for them may transit through the HAPC if its fishing gear is properly stowed. For the purposes of this clause, “transit” refers to a straight line, non-stop course through the area while maintaining a minimum speed of five knots as measured by an operating VMS and a minimum ping rate of one every five minutes; “fishing gear appropriately stowed” refers to doors and nets being out of the water. Paradise Reef.
Paradise Reef is bounded on the north by 33°31. 59′ N. lat. ; on the south by 33°30. 51′ N. lat. ; on the east by 78°57. 55′ W. long. ; and on the west by 78°58. 85′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be taken and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Pawleys Island Reef.
Pawleys Island Reef is bounded on the north by 33°26. 58′ N. lat. ; on the south by 33°25. 76′ N. lat. ; on the east by 79°00. 29′ W. long. ; and on the west by 79°01. 24′ W. long. Only handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing equipment are permitted for use when fishing. It is not permitted to use a bottom longline or a sea bass pot. It is not permitted to use a powerhead to catch snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic. Possession of a powerhead and a dead South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the SMZ or after having fished there is proof that the fish was caught there using a powerhead. A South Atlantic snapper-grouper may only be taken and kept in accordance with the bag limit. Within the SMZ, the recreational bag limit applies to the entire harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia). Pourtales Terrace.
No one is allowed to use a bottom longline, bottom trawl, dredge, pot, or trap. Anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain if on a fishing vessel. on a fishing vessel, collect coral or possess coral in or from the Deepwater Coral HAPC. Pulley Ridge.
A 24°58′18′′ 83°38′33′′, B 24°58′18′′ 83°37′00′′, C 24°41′11′′ 83°37′00′′, D 24°40′00′′ 83°41′22′′, E 24°43′55′′ 83°47′15′′, and A 24°58′18′′ 83°38′33′′ form the boundaries of Pulley Ridge HAPC. It is forbidden for fishing vessels to deploy bottom longlines, bottom trawls, buoy gear, pots, or traps, and to bottom anchor. Pulley Ridge South Portion A.
Rhumb lines connecting the following points, in order, define the perimeter of Pulley Ridge South Portion A HAPC: 24°40 000′ 83°41. 366′; 24°39. 666′ 83°42. 648′; 24°47. 555′ 83°55. 240′; 24°57. 065′ 83°48. 405′; 24°52. 859′ 83°41. 841′; 24°43. 917′ 83°47. 250′; 24°40. 000′ 83°41. 366′. Fishing vessels are not allowed to deploy bottom trawls, buoy gear, dredges, pots, or traps, or to bottom anchor throughout the entire year in the HAPC. Roughtounge Reef.
Roughtongue Reef HAPC’s perimeter is defined by rhumb lines that connect, in order: 29°27 596′ 87°37. 527′; 29°27. 621′ 87°31. 552′; 29°25. 007′ 87°31. 539′;
