Leather Bass

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Gulf of California and Baja California south to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Found around rocky reefs and offshore islands in 30–150 feet. A moderately sized grouper of the Eastern Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America.

Preferred Water Temperature: 66°F–78°F. A Pacific reef grouper found in warm to cool tropical water around rocky structure. Common in the Gulf of California and along the Pacific coast of Mexico.

Size & Weight: Typically 5–20 lbs. Maximum approximately 30 lbs. World record: 13 lbs 7 oz. A grouper with distinctive leather-like texture to the skin surface. Good table fare.

Best Lures: Vertical jigs work near structure. Swimbaits produce strikes around reefs.

Best Baits: Live and dead squid are the top baits. Fresh cut fish work well. Live small fish produce strikes. Bottom rigs near rocky structure are effective.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Gulf of California and Baja California south to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Found around rocky reefs and offshore islands in 30–150 feet. A moderately sized grouper of the Eastern Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America.

66°F–78°F. A Pacific reef grouper found in warm to cool tropical water around rocky structure. Common in the Gulf of California and along the Pacific coast of Mexico.

Best Lures: Vertical jigs work near structure. Swimbaits produce strikes around reefs. Best Baits: Live and dead squid are the top baits. Fresh cut fish work well. Live small fish produce strikes. Bottom rigs near rocky structure are effective.

Typically 5–20 lbs. Maximum approximately 30 lbs. World record: 13 lbs 7 oz. A grouper with distinctive leather-like texture to the skin surface. Good table fare.