Why must circle hooks be used when fishing on charter boats out of Destin Florida?

Question

Are there currently any coastal states that allow harvesting of goliath grouper.

Answer 1

It is currently not allowed, but the state of florida will likely pass a law to allow you to keep one per year. There are tremendous numbers of them on the reefs/ship wrecks. They are starting to eat up everything.

Answer 2

Not in the US.  they are deemed critically endangered.  Slow growth, late reproduction, and over fishing led to the decline and the ban on harvest in 1990.  numbers have increased in FL where the mangrove nurseries are more prevalent.