All species
reef
Red Grouper
Epinephelus morio
A prized bottom-dwelling reef fish with firm white fillets. Seasonal closures protect the spawning stock.
Where to find them
Hard bottom, ledges, and reefs in 60-300 ft; excavate depressions in the bottom they call home.
Regulations by Region
Atlantic Coast
Season open- Size limit
- 20" total length
- Bag limit
- 1 within 3-fish grouper aggregate
- Season
- Open year-round (Atlantic)
Part of the 3-fish grouper aggregate; rules differ from Gulf.
Gulf Coast
Season open- Size limit
- 20" total length
- Bag limit
- 2 within 4-fish grouper aggregate
- Season
- Open year-round (Gulf red grouper)
Gulf allows 2 red grouper within a 4-fish aggregate.
Top Baits
live pinfishcut squidthreadfin herringheavy jigs