September Means Gag Grouper Fishing in Tampa Bay

The 2026 Gag Grouper Season Is Almost Here — and I Have Open Dates!

September is going to be a good month to be a fisherman in Tampa Bay.

The 2026 Gulf gag grouper recreational season runs September 1 through September 30, giving us an entire month to chase one of my favorite hard-fighting fish.

After last year’s much shorter season, having the whole month of September gives us a much better opportunity to get out there and put some grouper in the boat.

And right now, Five O’Clock Charlie Boat Tours & Charters has plenty of September dates available.

Gag Grouper Don’t Give Up Easily

If you’ve never hooked a good gag grouper, you’re in for an education.

These aren’t fish that politely take your bait and wait to be reeled to the boat.

A gag grouper hits hard, turns around and heads straight for the bottom. His goal is simple: get back into the rocks or structure before you can stop him.

Your goal is even simpler:

Don’t let him.

That first few seconds after the bite is what makes grouper fishing so much fun. Get the rod bent, keep the pressure on him and start cranking.

When a big grouper decides he wants to go home, you’ll quickly find out who’s in charge.

Grouper Fishing Around Tampa Bay

I’ve spent years fishing the waters around Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Palmetto and the nearby Gulf waters, and September gives us another great reason to head offshore and work the appropriate structure for grouper.

We’ll use the conditions, water depth and what the fish are doing that particular day to determine how and where we’re going to fish.

And anyone who has spent time fishing aboard Five O’Clock Charlie knows that I’m a believer in live bait when it’s the best tool for the job.

There’s just something about dropping a lively bait down into grouper country and waiting for that rod to load up.

When it happens, you won’t need me to tell you twice.

REEL!

What’s Better Than Catching Grouper?

Eating it.

Gag grouper is one of Florida’s prized table fish, and for good reason. It’s firm, mild and excellent grilled, baked, blackened or turned into a plate of fresh grouper tacos.

There aren’t many dinners better than one that started with you holding a fishing rod earlier that morning.

Of course, you’ve got to get him into the boat first.

September 2026 Gag Grouper Regulations

For the 2026 Gulf gag grouper season, anglers should always check the current Florida and federal regulations before fishing.

Regulations can include minimum size requirements, daily bag limits, aggregate grouper limits and different requirements depending on where you’re fishing.

Fishing regulations can change, so always check the current FWC regulations before heading out.

And when you’re fishing with me, I’ll make sure we’re following the regulations that apply to our trip.

I Have September Dates Available

Here’s the important part.

September is only 30 days long, and right now I have a lot of open dates.

If you’ve been talking about taking the family fishing, getting some buddies together, introducing somebody to saltwater fishing or finally checking gag grouper off your fishing bucket list, this is the month to do it.

You don’t need to be an experienced fisherman.

That’s my job.

I’ve been running Five O’Clock Charlie Boat Tours & Charters since 2014, and whether you’re an experienced angler or you’ve barely held a fishing rod, we’ll make a day of it.

I provide the boat, fishing equipment and local knowledge.

You bring the muscle.

Book Your September Tampa Bay Grouper Fishing Charter

The 2026 gag grouper season runs September 1–30, and once September is gone, we’ll have to wait for the next opportunity.

I currently have plenty of September openings, but those dates can disappear quickly as we get closer to the season.

If you’re staying on Anna Maria Island, visiting Bradenton or Palmetto, or you’re a Tampa Bay local who’s been saying, “One of these days I need to go grouper fishing,” maybe this is your year.

Give me a call or contact me through the website and let’s get a September fishing trip on the calendar.

Captain John Blenker
Five O’Clock Charlie Boat Tours & Charters
Tampa Bay • Palmetto • Bradenton • Anna Maria Island

When that grouper hits, don’t look at me. Start cranking.