Scientific Name
Seriola zonata
Stock Status
Overfishing – Yes
Overfished – Unknown
2023 Regulations
| Recreational | Commercial | ||
| Season | Open. *If the sum of commercial and recreational landings reach the stock complex ACL, then harvest will be prohibited for the remainder of the year. | Season | Open. *If the sum of commercial and recreational landings reach the stock complex ACL, then harvest will be prohibited for the remainder of the year. |
| Minimum Size Limit | 14-22 inch FL slot limit | Minimum Size Limit | 14-22 inch FL slot limit |
| Bag Limit | 5 within the 5 fish combined bag limit of banded rudderfish and lesser amberjack. | Trip Limit | none |
| Permit | State issued recreational license/angler registry, federal angler registry or Federal charter/headboat permit for reef fish | Permit | Commercial vessel permit for reef fish is required. Additionally, an eastern Gulf reef fish bottom longline endorsement required to use bottom longline for Gulf reef fish in the federal waters east of 85°30′ longitude. |
| Gear | Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing with natural baits. At least one dehooking device is required and must be used to remove hooks. | Gear | Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing with natural baits. At least one dehooking device is required and must be used to remove hooks. |
Harvest Limits
| Sector | Annual Catch Limit |
| Stock | Combined ACL for lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish – 312,000 pounds |