Gag Grouper

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from North Carolina south through Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatan Peninsula. The most common offshore grouper in the Gulf of Mexico and along Florida's Atlantic coast. Found over hard bottom, ledges, reefs, and wrecks in 30–300 feet. Also found around inshore structure in some areas.

Preferred Water Temperature: 58°F–75°F. Concentrates around natural and artificial reefs, ledges, and wrecks. Moves offshore to deeper water in summer and returns to shallower reefs in fall when water cools.

Size & Weight: Typical sport catch is 5–15 lbs. Trophy fish reach 50+ lbs. World record: 80 lbs 6 oz from North Carolina. Gray to brown with darker rectangular blotches — one of the most targeted grouper species in the Gulf. Outstanding table fish — firm, white, sweet meat.

Best Lures: Large vertical jigs dropped to structure are very effective. Large swimbaits near the bottom produce strikes. Heavy bucktail jigs tipped with cut squid are standard. Large soft plastics worked just above the reef catch fish.

Best Baits: Live pinfish are the top bait. Large live shrimp produce results. Live grunts work very well. Fresh whole squid are excellent. Cut cigar minnows produce consistent catches. Always check current regulations — seasonal closures and bag limits apply throughout the Gulf.

Western Atlantic Ocean — from North Carolina south through Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatan Peninsula. The most common offshore grouper in the Gulf of Mexico and along Florida's Atlantic coast. Found over hard bottom, ledges, reefs, and wrecks in 30–300 feet. Also found around inshore structure in some areas.

58°F–75°F. Concentrates around natural and artificial reefs, ledges, and wrecks. Moves offshore to deeper water in summer and returns to shallower reefs in fall when water cools.

Best Lures: Large vertical jigs dropped to structure are very effective. Large swimbaits near the bottom produce strikes. Heavy bucktail jigs tipped with cut squid are standard. Large soft plastics worked just above the reef catch fish. Best Baits: Live pinfish are the top bait. Large live shrimp produce results. Live grunts work very well. Fresh whole squid are excellent. Cut cigar minnows produce consistent catches. Always check current regulations — seasonal closures and bag limits apply throughout the Gulf.

Typical sport catch is 5–15 lbs. Trophy fish reach 50+ lbs. World record: 80 lbs 6 oz from North Carolina. Gray to brown with darker rectangular blotches — one of the most targeted grouper species in the Gulf. Outstanding table fish — firm, white, sweet meat.