Grouper Fishing in the Florida Keys: A Guide to the Best Catch
Grouper are usually large hard-hitting fish that are a lot of fun to reel in, and the Florida Keys is one of the best places worldwide to fish for this fun and delicious fish. They have one of the most delicious tastes of all fish in the sea and are among the most popular choices on restaurant menus throughout Florida and most of the Gulf Coast.
How and Where to Catch Grouper in the Florida Keys
Key West
Key West has many wrecks and reefs, which are great spots for catching various Florida fish and excellent fishing grounds for large-sized groupers. A few popular hotspots in Key West are the Key West Tournament Reef, The Adolphus Busch, The Hoyt S. Vandenberg and Joe’s Tug. These and more structures off the coast are excellent fish habitats for all four of these most sought-after Grouper.
Islamorada
Islamorada is known as the “sports fishing capital of the world,” with several wrecks creating artificial reefs where many sports fish species, including giant Grouper, call home. Eagle Wreck and The USS Spiegel Grove are two of the best of these wrecks. Here you will find large predator fish taking advantage of the many hiding places to gulp up the smaller fish roaming the wreckage. Another popular spot for all Sportfish Charters is The Islamorada Hump, which is a large underwater mountain (seamount), that projects upward and is a must for all anglers looking to target giant Grouper or any other sportfish.
Marathon
Marathon has a plentiful reef system with many wrecks off the shore. This makes for some of the best fishing in the Florida Keys and a great place for finding large-sized Black, Gag, Red and Scamp Grouper. The Sombrero Reef, The 7 Mile Bridge Reef, and The Thunderbolt Wreck are the most popular of these wrecks. Just like Islamorada, there is a large underwater mountain, The Marathon Humps, which again is a must-go destination for all anglers where big fish, including Black, Red and Gag Grouper.
Most Popular Species of Grouper in the Florida Keys
Red Grouper
Red Grouper are beautiful fish. They boast a striking orange-red color. They average around 15 pounds in size and are fun to catch because they fight hard.
Black Grouper
Black Grouper are one of the most desirable because of its size, they can grow to over 100 pounds, and for their tender sweet meat. They have olive gray or brown bodies with irregular colored spots. They are powerful and very fun to reel in.
Gag Grouper
Scamp Grouper
How to Catch Grouper in the Florida Keys
Florida Keys Grouper Season
Red Grouper
State Waters
Open all year
Federal Waters
Feb 1 - Mar 31
Black Grouper
State Waters
June 1-Dec 31
Federal Waters
June 1-Dec 31
Gag Grouper
State Waters
June 1-Dec 31
Federal Waters
June 1-Dec 31
