St. Pete's Premier Full-Day Gulf Fishing Trip

Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper (Mycteroperca Microlepis) Fish Description

The Gag Grouper appears to be one of the less aesthetically appealing fish among the Groupers. Some even describe the Gag Grouper as “drab” in appearance. Its fins are mostly composed are rays and have a laterally-compressed oblong body. However, it does have a similarity to the Black Grouper: it’s the box-shaped black spots on the back. Their dorsal fins have 11 spines mixed with 16-18 rays while their anal fins have 3 spins with a mix of 10-12 rays.

Female Gag Groupers are normally pale or medium grey in color. Their bodies have a more marbled appearance due to the wavy patterns covering their bodies. But the best way to tell a female and a male apart is through the dorsal fin. Unlike female Gag Groupers, a male Gag Grouper’s dorsal fin is reticulated. Color-wise however, they are also darker than female Gag Groupers. Their bellies and breast are usually dark gray, almost black.  

Gag Grouper Diet and Size

Depending on their size, a Gag Grouper’s diet changes. Though, Gag Groupers are seen to prefer a variety of crustaceans such as crab and shrimp. They do like some fish and sometimes, an occasional squid.

An average Gag Grouper is 20 inches (50 cm) long. However, some have reported seeing a Gag Grouper reach 145 cm (57 inches) in length and weigh 36.5 kg (80 lbs).

Interesting Facts about the Gag Grouper

• Gag Groupers, when they mature, change sex from female to male.
  • When they’re young, all Gag Groupers start out as females.
  • However, Gag Groupers are more commonly female.
• Gag Groupers grow slowly. It usually takes them5-6 years to sexually mature.
• Juvenile Gag Groupers have a different habitat preference to adult Gag Groupers.
• Its scientific name microlepis means small scales in Latin.
• Gag Groupers can live up to 30 years.
• Red Tide can heavily affect Gag Grouper populations.

Gag Grouper – Fishing Techniques: How to Fish for a Gag Grouper

The first thing to look for is a place that can serve as shelter. Gag Groupers like hiding so, they would make use of any structure that can serve as shelter. Young Gag Groupers prefer staying inshore and in shoals until they mature. Older Gag Groupers loiter around offshore reefs and shipwrecks. Usually, when fishing for Gag Groupers, they are usually accompanied by Kingfish and Spanish Mackerel. At times, they’re also accompanied by Blacktip and Spinner Sharks. They’re found chasing herrings that swarm near the beach.

Others advise looking for stone crab traps. Since Gag Groupers love crab, they’ll most likely go to a place where crabs hide.

When it comes to bait choice, Gag Groupers love live bait. They prefer mullet and pinfish. However, some anglers have reported having success with also cut bait like octopus, squid, and crabs. Other options include using Pilchards, Cigar Minnows, and Grunts. 

For your equipment, it depends on where you are. In Florida, you’re required to use a circle hook when going bottom fishing. But some say that the standard equipment will do. Standard rod with a 40-pound line works but people have done well even with a 20-30 one. Make sure that your bait is hooked on well but with the barb still sticking out. 

When going for the Gag Grouper, be prepared to wrestle with it. Once they snag your bait, they’ll want nothing but to drag their food back to the depths where they came from. They’ll try to run against the rocks to make sure they don’t get fished out. To avoid that, make sure the reel’s locked and don’t let it freewheel otherwise it’ll give them a chance to dive into a hole. To make it easier, some people advise keeping your rod low so it’s easier to just yank them out of the water.

Gag Grouper Habitat and Distribution

Gag Groupers like staying in coastal waters with a lot of rocky structures. Some of their preferred rocky structures include rocky bottoms and reefs. They also like loitering near drop-off walls in the deep waters. But the younger Gag Groupers like staying more in the seabed.

Goliath Grouper

Goliath grouper live up to their name – these monsters can top 800 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, shipwrecks, and bridges in 20-150 feet of water. They're most active in summer and fall. While harvest is prohibited, catch-and-release fishing is allowed. Hooking one is an experience you won't forget; they're incredibly powerful and will test your gear to the limit. Use heavy tackle with 600-pound test line and a 20/0 circle hook. Bait with a large jack or ladyfish. The key is anchoring close enough to the structure to tempt them out, but far enough to have a chance of pulling them away. Remember, these fish are protected, so handle them carefully and release quickly.

Grey Triggerfish

Grey triggers are feisty little fighters, usually 2-5 pounds but can reach 10. You'll find them around reefs and hard bottom areas in 60-300 feet. They're most active in spring and summer. Triggers have small mouths but big attitudes – they'll smash baits meant for much larger fish. Anglers love their sweet, white meat. Use medium tackle with small, strong hooks. Squid or cut bait works well. Here's a pro tip: when you feel the bite, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it for a second, then reel fast. Their tough mouths make them hard to hook, so you need to catch them off guard. Watch out for their sharp dorsal spine when handling them.

King Mackerel

Kings are speed demons of the Gulf, known for blistering runs that'll smoke your reel. These toothy predators average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. Find them in 30-150 feet of water, often near structures that hold bait. Spring and fall are prime, as they follow migrating baitfish. Trolling with live bait or spoons is the go-to method. Use wire leaders – their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. Kings make for some of the most exciting fishing out here. When one hits, hold on tight and let it run to tire itself out. Local tip: look for birds diving on bait schools, that's often where you'll find the kings. Their firm, oily flesh is great for smoking or grilling.

Red Grouper

Red grouper are a staple in our Gulf waters, usually weighing 5-15 pounds. Look for them around rocky bottoms and ledges in 60-300 feet. They're less structure-dependent than other groupers, so you can find them over open bottom too. Fall and winter are peak seasons. Reds are aggressive feeders and put up a solid fight. Anglers prize them for their sweet, mild flavor. Use medium-heavy tackle with 50-pound braid and a fluorocarbon leader. Live pinfish or squid strips work well. Here's a local trick: bounce your bait off the bottom to stir up sand and attract their attention. When you feel that distinctive grouper thump, reel fast and pull hard to get them away from the bottom.