The Beast – The Goliath Grouper

The Goliath Grouper is one of the biggest, beefiest fish you’ll find on a fishing charter in Florida. The Goliath is the largest grouper in the western hemisphere and can weigh as much as 1,000lbs and span 8ft, aging as old as 37 years old. In Florida, they usually weigh between 100-600 lbs. They’re a wonder of nature and a favorite for anglers, as they’re truly unique in size and character.

Formerly called ‘Jewfish,’ they have brown or yellow mottling, with black spots on their head and fins. Their largemouth features jawbones that extend past their small eyes. Goliath groupers mostly feed on slow-moving prey, such as crabs and slow-moving fish. They swallow their prey whole and are easily enticed by large bait.

Goliath Grouper Behaviour

These giants are curious and fearless. Rumors and reports over the years have even described Goliaths swimming near diving and spearfishing operations, looking for a meal. Their deep roar (produced by bladder contractions and used as sonar) is enough to make a grown man shiver. The good news for you is, they’re slow and sluggish. That means we can track them easily. However, their incredible strength will make you work hard! You’ve been warned; these guys are no joke, they are monsters.

Where to Catch Goliath Grouper?

These beasts are found all over from Florida to Brazil, making Goliath grouper fishing charters in the Keys a huge success. Smaller Goliaths tend to live in the mangroves, while the bigger ones prefer reefs, bridges, piers and wrecks. They can be caught all year-round.

How to Catch Goliath Grouper?

The Goliath might be a strong creature, but they’re slow, which means you need power more than skill. They’ll go for anything, so dropping live or cut fish down will do the trick. The heavier the tackle, the better. The Goliath has evolved to head to cover as soon as they’re hooked, so be careful!

Goliath Grouper Hand Line Fishing

We’re proud to provide goliath grouper hand line fishing, for that true one-on-one experience without rod and reel. It’s man vs fish, do you have the endurance?

Are Goliath Grouper Good to Eat?

Excellent, but strictly forbidden! Every catch on your Goliath grouper fishing charter in Florida must be released back into the water.

Goliath Grouper Protection

The Goliath grouper is a federally protected species. With harvest rightly forbidden, sports fishing is the only way to see these beautiful creatures up close. On our Goliath grouper fishing charters in Florida, we take all the necessary precautions to ensure their life is preserved while allowing you to experience their power up close. Armed with state-of-the-art rods, we use large fish as bait to entice the goliaths off the wreck or reef – giving you a head start in the fight. Over the past ten years, the Keys has seen the Goliath grouper population explode, thanks to the regulations put in place by the FWC.

What You Can Expect During Our Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters in the Keys

Safety and Support

Your safety is our priority. Our captains have spent over 30 years out on the waters, helping people of all skill levels to stay safe while experiencing the thrills of fishing. From handling your rod to staying on the boat, we’ll keep you safe during the battle of a lifetime.

• Federally Permitted
• Insured
• Fully Licenced