Scamp Grouper

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from North Carolina south through Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Found over hard rocky bottom, ledges, and natural reefs in 60–400 feet. Considered by many anglers to be the finest-tasting grouper — sometimes called the "filet mignon of grouper."

Preferred Water Temperature: 58°F–72°F. A deeper-water grouper species found over natural hard bottom and rocky ledges. Tends to hold in deeper water than Gag Grouper — commonly 100–300 feet in the Gulf of Mexico.

Size & Weight: Typically 3–10 lbs. Trophy fish reach 25+ lbs. World record: 29 lbs 6 oz. Brownish with darker spots and a distinctive cat-paw pattern. Considered the premium grouper for table quality — the sweetest, most delicate flesh of the grouper family.

Best Lures: Medium vertical jigs dropped to rocky bottom produce strikes. Bucktail jigs tipped with cut squid are effective. Swimbaits worked just above the bottom catch fish.

Best Baits: Fresh whole squid are the top bait. Cut pinfish and cigar minnows work very well. Live vermilion snapper produce large Scamp. Fresh cut Spanish mackerel belly works consistently. Bottom rigs at 100–300 feet over hard natural bottom are standard.

Western Atlantic Ocean — from North Carolina south through Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Found over hard rocky bottom, ledges, and natural reefs in 60–400 feet. Considered by many anglers to be the finest-tasting grouper — sometimes called the "filet mignon of grouper."

58°F–72°F. A deeper-water grouper species found over natural hard bottom and rocky ledges. Tends to hold in deeper water than Gag Grouper — commonly 100–300 feet in the Gulf of Mexico.

Best Lures: Medium vertical jigs dropped to rocky bottom produce strikes. Bucktail jigs tipped with cut squid are effective. Swimbaits worked just above the bottom catch fish. Best Baits: Fresh whole squid are the top bait. Cut pinfish and cigar minnows work very well. Live vermilion snapper produce large Scamp. Fresh cut Spanish mackerel belly works consistently. Bottom rigs at 100–300 feet over hard natural bottom are standard.

Typically 3–10 lbs. Trophy fish reach 25+ lbs. World record: 29 lbs 6 oz. Brownish with darker spots and a distinctive cat-paw pattern. Considered the premium grouper for table quality — the sweetest, most delicate flesh of the grouper family.