Gulf of Mexico Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Snapshot
October 11, 2017
Gulf of Mexcio saltwater recreational fisheries fact sheets highlighting recent regional trends, economic impacts, fishing opportunities, and issues of interest in Alabama, west Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
Saltwater Recreational Fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico
In the Gulf of Mexico, thriving recreational fisheries support vibrant coastal economies. With more than 100 species of fish available to saltwater recreational fishermen at any time of year, many unexplored recreational opportunities await anglers in the Gulf. While some species like gag grouper, greater amberjack, and red snapper have specific seasons, many others like jacks, mackerels, cobia, and other snappers and groupers can be caught year-round. In partnership with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission and its member states, NOAA Fisheries is working to ensure sustainable and enduring saltwater fishing opportunities along the Gulf Coast.
100+ species of fish are available to saltwater anglers in the Gulf of Mexico at any point in the year.
Primary Target Species
Nearly one third (29%) of all recreational fishing trips in the Gulf targeted these popular recreational species. Of those trips, the primary target species breakdown is as follows:
Source: Marine Recreational Information Program
Popular Recreational Species in the Gulf of Mexico*
Source: Marine Recreational Information Program
*Release data and select species data are unavailable from Texas and Louisiana.
The table above depicts 2015 catch data. Catch totals and catch-by-area vary annually based on
regulatory, ecological, meteorological, and other factors.
2015 Economic Impacts in the Gulf of Mexico
