Bottom Fishing for Grouper in Florida

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Grouper are bottom feeders, which means bottom fishing is the best route to catching them. These large fish spend their time around wrecks and rocky structures, so we’ll head out into deeper waters and try to lure them out. We use live baits, and heavy-duty rods and lines to take on their impressive strength. Expect a challenge!

What Types of Grouper Can You Catch in Florida?

Black Grouper

World Record Black Grouper: 124 lb, 0 oz – Keys (TX)

The Black Grouper is one of the largest species of Grouper we find during our Grouper Fishing Charters in Florida. They’re a favorite for all skill ranges and can grow over 4ft and 100lbs. We usually catch around half that, but we’re always hunting for that 40lb plus trophy-sized fish! The Black Grouper is known for being unforgiving – if you don’t react quickly enough, they’ll take your bait and be gone. Reaction time is key!

Does Black Grouper Taste Good?

Black Grouper has a unique mild taste, with a firm, big flakey texture. It’s extremely moist and therefore considered delicious. Many people like to eat it alongside a lobster or shrimp. In Florida, regulations allow us to bag 4 Black Grouper per person within the four grouper aggregate.

Where to Catch Black Grouper in Florida?

During our Grouper Fishing Charters in Florida, we usually find Black Grouper around reefs and rocky bottoms. The bigger black groupers are found in depths of 60 to 250 of water, so we’ll have to head offshore.

Gag Grouper

World Record Gag Grouper: 80 lb, 6 oz – Destin, FL

Also known as the ‘Grey Grouper,’ these biguns are seen throughout Grouper Fishing Charters in the Keys. Although they don’t grow as big as Black Grouper or Goliaths, they’re on average around 5-20lbs.

Does Gag Grouper Taste Good?

Providing a delicious flakey texture, the Gag Grouper is once again great to eat. The subtle flavor makes it suitable for dressings, marinades and flavorings. We’re allowed to bag two Gag Grouper as part of our four grouper aggregate.

Where to Catch Gag Grouper in Florida?

Just like most Grouper species, we find Gag Grouper in reefs and other rocky structures at depths of over 60ft.

Red Grouper

World Record Red Grouper: 42 lb, 4 oz – St. Augustine, FL

You can’t talk about a Grouper Fishing Charter in Florida without mentioning the Red Grouper! These big tasty beasts and deep-sea hunters, requiring us to take the boat out away from the coast. Their distinct red appearance and large body make for a great catch! On average, they weigh 5-10lbs and grow between 1-2ft.

Is Red Grouper Good to Eat?

The mild yet sweet taste makes it a restaurant favorite across the Sunshine state. The FWC allows us to bag two in our four grouper aggregate.

Where to Catch Red Grouper in Florida?

Red Grouper are usually found at around 1,000ft down, on rocky bottoms. We’ll have to head out quite far to make a catch, but we’ll see an exciting variety of fish along the way!

Scamp Grouper

World Scamp Grouper Record: World record: 32 lb, 0 oz – Atlantic Beach, NC

The Scamp is sought after in every Grouper Fishing Charter in Florida, thanks to their fantastic taste. By Grouper standards, they’re quite small at around 2ft and 5lbs on average.

Is Scamp Grouper Good to Eat?

For many people, Scamp is the tastiest fish in the Grouper family and often has a high price tag. Their mild, white flesh is firm yet sweet. With a high oil and moisture content, it’s a must-try and a must catch! FWC regulations allow us to bag four Scamp Grouper per trip.

Where Can You Catch Scamp Grouper in Florida?

Scamp are deep-sea fish. We’ll have to cast off in waters of at least 100ft. The extra traveling time is well worth the wait though, the taste is unbeatable!

Snowy Grouper

World Snowy Grouper Record: 70 lb, 7oz – Norfolk Canyon, VA

Now we’re in true deep-sea territory. The Snowy Groupers have unique ‘snow’ like markings across their red bodies and can grow large enough for a feast. Snowy Groupers are quite rare, so if it’s your dream catch, be prepared to spend a full day out on the ocean!

Does Snowy Grouper Taste Good?

Although similar to Scamp and Black Grouper, Snow Grouper is leaner. Tasting one is rare, but we’re allowed to bag four per trip.

Where to Catch Snowy Grouper?

During our Grouper Fishing Charters in the Keys, we find Snowy Grouper of depths of between 350ft to 800ft.

Goliath Grouper – location?

World Record Goliath Grouper: 680 lb, 0 oz – Fernandina Beach, FL

These are the mothers of all groupers. If you want the ultimate challenge, look no further. The Goliath is the largest Grouper in the Keys 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 aware of their size and swim right up to divers and spearfishers, ready to eat their lunch. They’re curiosity works against them, though, as they’re easy targets to hook. The hard put is reeling them in, either with a reel or a hand line. You’ll be pushed to your limits, but hopefully go home with a picture to treasure forever.

Does Goliath Grouper Taste Good?

Yes, they’re reported to taste fantastic. However, these days, the FWC regulations require any Goliath Grouper catch to be released immediately back into the waters.

Where to Catch Goliath Grouper in Florida?

During our Grouper Fishing Charters in Florida, we usually find the Goliaths in the mangroves and around piers and wrecks. However, if we go out into deeper waters, there is a chance we’ll find a monster-sized Goliath.

Other Types of Grouper Fish We Can Catch

This is just a preview of the various species we help our customers catch during our Grouper Fishing Charters in the Keys. Other fish include:

• Yellowfin
• Yellowmouth
• Rock Hind/Red Hind
• Coney/Graysby
• Warsaw/Speckled Hind
• Yellowedge/Misty