All species
reef
Goliath Grouper
Epinephelus itajara
A massive, prehistoric grouper that can top 500 lbs. Once nearly wiped out, now protected. A bucket-list catch-and-release brute around wrecks and bridges.
Where to find them
Wrecks, bridges, deep holes, and reefs; juveniles use mangrove estuaries as nurseries.
Regulations by Region
Atlantic Coast
Season open- Size limit
- Catch and release only (limited harvest tags by lottery)
- Bag limit
- 0 general (rare permit lottery)
- Season
- Release only
Harvest is essentially prohibited; a very limited tag lottery exists in Gulf state waters only.
Gulf Coast
Season closed- Size limit
- Limited harvest by lottery tag
- Bag limit
- Lottery only
- Season
- Mar-May lottery harvest (Gulf)
Tiny lottery-based harvest in Gulf state waters; otherwise release only.
Top Baits
live jackslarge dead baitsstingray (bait)