[Superman]

The Gulf Council, officiators of the Gulf coastal states, deemed in 2008 that any angler fishing offshore for grouper or snapper must use circle hooks. So that means Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas are under this law. It is a fairly benign law, mostly enforced for commercial interests, or especially on poachers. This doesn't mean the game officers or USCG are checking recreational boaters, but it could happen. Personally, I use circles for everything I can because of the precise hookset into the corner of the mouth. It makes it much easier to remove a hook and it doesn't get into the fish's gullet, making releases far more optimal for the fish. Another law passed by the Gulf Council in 2008 was the de-hooker law, requiring any vessel fishing in the Gulf of Mexico to carry a functional hook removing device. This one IS enforced, and lack of the tool can cost you a fine of $75 for the first offense. Keep reading those regs, it helps! Capt. Bill AKA Superman