Black Grouper in Alabama
Where to catch black grouper in Alabama, and what to keep.
- 4 a daycreel
- 106 lbs. 3.2 ozs.record
Pick for grouperPiscifun AlinoX 400 baitcaster with bait clicker25% OFFSale $149.99 Photo of the species, not an Alabama water: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, CC BY-SA 2.0
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black grouper and the ADCNR rules
Look up "Black Grouper*** (#)" in the saltwater limits to find the rule for black grouper. Its terms are 4 per person; 24" min tl with the season state waters; see seasons.
In 2012, David Mark Possien landed the record 106 lbs. 3.2 ozs. at a water ADCNR does not print.
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| Row as printed | Waters | Creel and size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Grouper*** (#) | Alabama state waters | 4 per person; 24" min TL | state waters; see seasons |
Alabama state waters open and close along with federal regulations.
Limits as printed by the ADCNR Marine Resources Division recreational size, creel and possession limits for state waters (MRD limits page), read November 1, 2026.
Heaviest black grouper recorded in Alabama
| List | Weight | Angler | Water | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| saltwater | 106 lbs. 3.2 ozs. | David Mark Possien | Alabama waters (no water printed) | August 11, 2012 |
ADCNR (Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division for freshwater; Marine Resources Division State Record Fish Committee for saltwater); freshwater list, saltwater list, read November 1, 2026.
Reef fish rules that cover black grouper
ADCNR lists it among the Gulf reef fish, so anyone 16 or older who keeps it needs the Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement on top of a saltwater license.
The endorsement costs $10 a year for residents and nonresidents alike in 2026-27.
ADCNR license page in the Official 2026-2027 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest (ADCNR, eRegulations edition), read November 1, 2026.
Alabama fish close to black grouper
- Gag Groupersaltwater
- Red Groupersaltwater
- Yellowfin Groupersaltwater
Pine ridges, bluffs and water near Black Grouper, photographed
Photo: Marshall County CVB, CC BY 2.0
Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: formulanone, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: gardener41, CC BY-SA 2.0
Chasing black grouper in Alabama, questions answered
How many black grouper may I keep in Alabama?
ADCNR prints 4 per person; 24" min TL; state waters; see seasons.
How heavy is the Alabama black grouper record?
106 lbs. 3.2 ozs. from a water not printed in 2012, angler David Mark Possien.
What Alabama lake or bay is good for black grouper?
No page here links it to a water yet.
Does Alabama have black grouper exceptions?
The exceptions leave it alone.
Is black grouper open now in Alabama?
The row gives state waters; see seasons.
Is one license enough for black grouper?
Saltwater anglers 16 and older carry an Alabama saltwater license ($30.90 resident, $66.80 nonresident for 2026-27), plus the $10 Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement to keep reef fish such as red snapper. Keeping it also takes the reef fish endorsement.
How do I claim an Alabama black grouper record?
Saltwater records are judged by the MRD State Record Fish Committee.
Is black grouper a game fish in Alabama?
Listed names: Black Grouper.
Head out after black grouper in Alabama
Choose one of the waters above to plan the day.