Black Grouper

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from Massachusetts south through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean to Brazil. Most abundant around South Florida, the Florida Keys, Bahamas, and throughout the Caribbean. Found around coral reefs, rocky ledges, and offshore hard bottom in 20–300 feet.

Preferred Water Temperature: 62°F–80°F. A reef-associated grouper found around coral and rocky structure. Adults inhabit deeper offshore reefs; juveniles are found in shallower nearshore areas. One of the most prized grouper species in Florida and the Caribbean.

Size & Weight: Typical catches are 10–25 lbs. Trophy fish reach 80+ lbs. World record: 114 lbs from Florida. Dark gray to black with a rectangular, checkerboard pattern. Powerful — dives hard for structure when hooked. Excellent table fish with large, firm fillets.

Best Lures: Large vertical jigs at depth are productive. Heavy swimbaits near bottom catch fish. Large bucktail jigs tipped with cut bait are effective.

Best Baits: Large live blue runners are the top bait. Live pinfish and grunts work very well. Large live shrimp produce results offshore. Fresh whole squid are excellent. 50–80 lb tackle with heavy fluorocarbon leader is standard. Check current regulations — Black Grouper have specific size and bag limits.

Western Atlantic Ocean — from Massachusetts south through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean to Brazil. Most abundant around South Florida, the Florida Keys, Bahamas, and throughout the Caribbean. Found around coral reefs, rocky ledges, and offshore hard bottom in 20–300 feet.

62°F–80°F. A reef-associated grouper found around coral and rocky structure. Adults inhabit deeper offshore reefs; juveniles are found in shallower nearshore areas. One of the most prized grouper species in Florida and the Caribbean.

Best Lures: Large vertical jigs at depth are productive. Heavy swimbaits near bottom catch fish. Large bucktail jigs tipped with cut bait are effective. Best Baits: Large live blue runners are the top bait. Live pinfish and grunts work very well. Large live shrimp produce results offshore. Fresh whole squid are excellent. 50–80 lb tackle with heavy fluorocarbon leader is standard. Check current regulations — Black Grouper have specific size and bag limits.

Typical catches are 10–25 lbs. Trophy fish reach 80+ lbs. World record: 114 lbs from Florida. Dark gray to black with a rectangular, checkerboard pattern. Powerful — dives hard for structure when hooked. Excellent table fish with large, firm fillets.