Gag grouper hold tight to ledges, wrecks, and rock piles 60-150 ft offshore. They're ambush predators living on inner-reef structure within 10-20 miles of NE FL beaches. Found on slightly shallower structure than scamps; deeper than reds typically.
Gray-brown body with distinctive wavy markings, large mouth, sharp dorsal spines. Florida Atlantic season closed January 1 - April 30 (always confirm), open May 1 onward, 24-inch minimum, daily bag of 2 in the 4-grouper aggregate. Best harvest fish 25-50 lb; 60+ lb caught annually.
Closed in Atlantic state and federal water January through April. May 1 the season opens — fall (August-October) is peak when fish are most aggressive on inner ledges. Winter they're catchable but the closed season blocks harvest. The May opener is the marquee NE FL grouper day of the year.
Heavy gear, no compromise — 80 lb braid, 100 lb leader, 8/0 circle hook, live pinfish or live cigar minnow fished tight to the bottom over rock structure. When the bite comes, lift hard and fast — grouper rocks within 2 seconds if you give them slack. 80 lb leader minimum or you're cut off in the structure.
Florida fishing regulations change. Always confirm slot, bag limits, and seasons on the official source before you keep anything. See our Licenses & Regulations page or go straight to MyFWC.com.