Grouper fishing in Florida: seasons, baits and charters
Bottom fishing for gag, red and black grouper on Florida’s reefs, ledges and wrecks with local captains.
Grouper live on rocky bottom, ledges and wrecks all around Florida, and the Gulf Coast is one of the best grouper fisheries in the world. Here’s when grouper season is open, how to catch them and where to book.
When is grouper season in Florida?
Grouper season in Florida depends on the species and the coast. Atlantic shallow-water grouper are closed January through April. In the Gulf, the gag grouper season is short and set each year, and red grouper are open most of the year. Goliath grouper are catch and release. Seasons, size and bag limits change, so check the FWC grouper rules before you go.
Mycteroperca microlepisMeet the gag grouper
Also called: Gag, grouper; Florida also has red, black, scamp and goliath grouper
- Typical size
- 5–25 lb; big gags top 50 lb
- Biggest grouper
- Goliath grouper grow to 800 lb; the all-tackle record is 680 lb (Fernandina Beach, 1961)
- Where it lives
- Ledges, rock piles, wrecks and reefs; young gags grow up in inshore grass beds
- How to spot it
- Gray to brown with dark worm-like marks; red grouper are reddish with white blotches
- What it eats
- Pinfish, grunts, sardines, squid and crabs
- Can you keep it?
- Seasons differ by species and coast; Atlantic shallow-water grouper close January–April (FWC rules)
Gag grouper all start life as females; the biggest fish become males.
Gag vs red vs black grouper
The three grouper you are most likely to catch:
| Gag | Red grouper | Black grouper | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Gray with dark worm marks | Reddish brown, white blotches | Dark, rectangular blotches |
| Where | Ledges and wrecks, Gulf and Atlantic | Gulf limestone bottom | Keys and South Florida reefs |
| Typical size | 5–25 lb | 5–15 lb | 10–40 lb |
| Season | Short Gulf season; Atlantic closed Jan–Apr | Open most of the year in the Gulf | Atlantic closed Jan–Apr |
| Eating | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
Grouper fishing charters
Deep sea and bottom fishing trips that target grouper:
How to catch grouper
Tips from our offshore captains:
Find the bottom
Grouper hold on ledges, rock piles, wrecks and artificial reefs. Your captain finds them on the sonar and anchors or drifts over the spot.
Bait and rigs
Live pinfish, grunts and sardines on a heavy fish-finder rig are best. Cut squid and bonito work too.
Win the fight
When a grouper bites, reel hard and lift it off the bottom right away, or it will dive into the rocks and cut the line.
Rules
Seasons, sizes and bag limits differ for gag, red, black and other grouper, and between the Gulf and Atlantic. Read the FWC grouper rules.
What to bring
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, snacks and drinks, and a cooler for your fillets. Tackle, bait and the saltwater license are included. See all fishing trips.
Other bottom fish
The same trips catch snapper, amberjack, triggerfish and porgies.
Best places to go grouper fishing in Florida
Pick a town (lowest deep sea trip price on its page, or call to book):
Northeast Florida
Treasure Coast & Palm Beaches
Fort Lauderdale & Miami
Fish you catch on a grouper trip
Bottom fishing in Florida also brings up:
Seasons, size and bag limits apply: see the FWC saltwater fishing regulations.
Grouper fishing by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Gulf red grouper
- Atlantic grouper closed
- Calm days only
Spring Mar–May
- Atlantic grouper reopen in May
- Spring ledges
- Mixed bags with snapper
Summer Jun–Aug
- Deep water offshore
- Gulf gag season (check FWC)
- Early starts beat the heat
Fall Sep–Nov
- Gag move shallower
- Great Gulf fishing
- Cooler weather, calmer seas
Recent guest reviews
5.07 reviewsReviews from our Florida fishing trips.
Capt Brad was great for both of our fishing trips. He took great care to make my husbands birthday fishing experience amazing and taught me how to use a bait caster. His boat was immaculate and most importantly, he put us on fish.
Ashley Eubanks · April 2026 · Google
A most delightful town
The town of New Smyrna is worth seeing and visiting. We enjoyed walking along the waterfront. You can drive your car to the beach. Ate dinner near the water at one of the Town Tavern which featured a live band. My friend and I went fishing, what fun, highly recommend it!
Lisa Wilson · January 2021
Obstacles conquered!
Started out with a full moon the night before and wind blowing 3 times what was forecast but Captain Brad had a plan. We got out and in no time had fish on! I had no expectations for what we might catch which turned out great 8 different species and two nice redfish! I had a great time!
Doug M. · March 2019 · TripAdvisor
Loved fishing
I have to say, this was one of the most professional organizations I have experienced. Booking was easy and customer support answered all my questions. Even when I remembered them and called back hours later! :) What was recommended was an afternoon trip with Capt Brad. I chose the 6 hour trip…
Tim S · January 2019
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Four hour trip with Captain Brad
We had a great time with Captain Brad. He had us on the fish right away in the morning and always kept us moving looking for more. He was very knowledgeable.
Eli L · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Book a grouper fishing charter
Pick a town and date, or let us match you with a captain who knows the bottom.
Not sure which port? Call or text and we’ll help.
Saltwater license covered by the captain on saltwater trips. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before. Full refund or free reschedule if the captain cancels for weather. Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.
Grouper fishing FAQ
When is grouper season in Florida?
It depends on the species and the coast. On the Atlantic side, shallow-water grouper (gag, black, red and others) are closed January through April. In the Gulf, gag season is short and set each year, while red and black grouper are open most of the year. Check the current FWC grouper rules before your trip.
What kinds of grouper can you catch in Florida?
Gag, red, black and scamp grouper are the common targets. Goliath grouper are catch and release only (a limited harvest-by-permit program aside). Warsaw and snowy grouper live in deep water offshore.
What is the best bait for grouper?
Live pinfish, grunts, sardines and blue runners, plus cut bait like squid and bonito. Heavy jigs and trolled deep-diving plugs work too. Use strong tackle: grouper dive straight back into the rocks.
How do you catch grouper?
Drop bait to the bottom over reefs, ledges, wrecks and hard bottom, then lift the fish fast before it reaches its hole. Your captain marks the spots on the sonar and sets you up with heavy bottom rigs.
Where is the best grouper fishing in Florida?
The Gulf Coast is famous for grouper: Crystal River, Homosassa, Tampa Bay, Naples and the Panhandle all have huge areas of limestone bottom. On the Atlantic side, grouper live on the reefs and wrecks from Jacksonville to the Keys.
Is grouper good to eat?
Yes, grouper is one of Florida’s best eating fish, with firm, mild white fillets. Keep only legal-size fish in open season.
How much is a grouper fishing charter?
Grouper trips are deep sea (bottom fishing) charters. On iOutdoors, Florida deep sea trips start from $700 in Fort Pierce and $750 in Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Vero Beach, priced per boat. Many Gulf towns are booked by phone at (407) 392-4593.