Black Grouper Facts

Black Grouper have dark brown oval shaped marks all over the fish with dark fins. They can be found in the Atlantic and Gulf regions.

Habitat ~~ They like to hide in holes of the Coral Reef so they can ambush their prey. Because of this it is difficult to get the fish away from the reef. His first instinct is to go back into the hole and break your line off.

Flavor Value ~~ Excellent and the large fish you can be filleted twice for thinner fillets.

Tackle ~~ 20 to 30 lb test line with at least 60 lb leeder and a stout enough rod to pull the fish away from structures.

Baits ~~ Live sardines, pinfish, pilchards and grunts are very effective. Dead baits would be sardines or ballyhoo. You need the appropriate weight according to the current to get these baits to the bottom.

Size ~~ Minimum size limits are 24 inches and two per person on the Atlantic Coast including Monroe County. The Gulf Coast minimum limit is 22 inches and five per day. It is not unusual to catch one over 50 pounds. The Florida Record is 113 lbs 6 oz 01/27/90.