Premium 6-Hour Offshore Fishing in Naples, FL

Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper (Mycteroperca Microlepis) Fish Description

The Gag Grouper appears to be one of the less aesthetically appealing fish among the Groupers. Some even describe the Gag Grouper as “drab” in appearance. Its fins are mostly composed are rays and have a laterally-compressed oblong body. However, it does have a similarity to the Black Grouper: it’s the box-shaped black spots on the back. Their dorsal fins have 11 spines mixed with 16-18 rays while their anal fins have 3 spins with a mix of 10-12 rays.

Female Gag Groupers are normally pale or medium grey in color. Their bodies have a more marbled appearance due to the wavy patterns covering their bodies. But the best way to tell a female and a male apart is through the dorsal fin. Unlike female Gag Groupers, a male Gag Grouper’s dorsal fin is reticulated. Color-wise however, they are also darker than female Gag Groupers. Their bellies and breast are usually dark gray, almost black.  

Gag Grouper Diet and Size

Depending on their size, a Gag Grouper’s diet changes. Though, Gag Groupers are seen to prefer a variety of crustaceans such as crab and shrimp. They do like some fish and sometimes, an occasional squid.

An average Gag Grouper is 20 inches (50 cm) long. However, some have reported seeing a Gag Grouper reach 145 cm (57 inches) in length and weigh 36.5 kg (80 lbs).

Interesting Facts about the Gag Grouper

• Gag Groupers, when they mature, change sex from female to male.
  • When they’re young, all Gag Groupers start out as females.
  • However, Gag Groupers are more commonly female.
• Gag Groupers grow slowly. It usually takes them5-6 years to sexually mature.
• Juvenile Gag Groupers have a different habitat preference to adult Gag Groupers.
• Its scientific name microlepis means small scales in Latin.
• Gag Groupers can live up to 30 years.
• Red Tide can heavily affect Gag Grouper populations.

Gag Grouper – Fishing Techniques: How to Fish for a Gag Grouper

The first thing to look for is a place that can serve as shelter. Gag Groupers like hiding so, they would make use of any structure that can serve as shelter. Young Gag Groupers prefer staying inshore and in shoals until they mature. Older Gag Groupers loiter around offshore reefs and shipwrecks. Usually, when fishing for Gag Groupers, they are usually accompanied by Kingfish and Spanish Mackerel. At times, they’re also accompanied by Blacktip and Spinner Sharks. They’re found chasing herrings that swarm near the beach.

Others advise looking for stone crab traps. Since Gag Groupers love crab, they’ll most likely go to a place where crabs hide.

When it comes to bait choice, Gag Groupers love live bait. They prefer mullet and pinfish. However, some anglers have reported having success with also cut bait like octopus, squid, and crabs. Other options include using Pilchards, Cigar Minnows, and Grunts. 

For your equipment, it depends on where you are. In Florida, you’re required to use a circle hook when going bottom fishing. But some say that the standard equipment will do. Standard rod with a 40-pound line works but people have done well even with a 20-30 one. Make sure that your bait is hooked on well but with the barb still sticking out. 

When going for the Gag Grouper, be prepared to wrestle with it. Once they snag your bait, they’ll want nothing but to drag their food back to the depths where they came from. They’ll try to run against the rocks to make sure they don’t get fished out. To avoid that, make sure the reel’s locked and don’t let it freewheel otherwise it’ll give them a chance to dive into a hole. To make it easier, some people advise keeping your rod low so it’s easier to just yank them out of the water.

Gag Grouper Habitat and Distribution

Gag Groupers like staying in coastal waters with a lot of rocky structures. Some of their preferred rocky structures include rocky bottoms and reefs. They also like loitering near drop-off walls in the deep waters. But the younger Gag Groupers like staying more in the seabed.

Goliath Grouper

Goliath Grouper live up to their name - these monsters can grow over 8 feet long and weigh up to 800 pounds. You'll find them lurking around reefs, shipwrecks, and rock piles in waters from 20 to 150 feet deep. They're most active in summer and fall. Goliaths are catch-and-release only due to past overfishing, but they're still a blast to target. These fish put up a short but intense fight, with that first pull strong enough to yank you right off the boat if you're not careful. Use heavy gear - we're talking 50-80 wide reels and 600-pound test line. Anchor close to structure, but far enough away to pull them out before they can break you off. Drop large live baits like blue runners or jacks and get ready for action. Remember, these fish are protected, so handle them gently and release them quickly.

Great Barracuda

Great Barracuda are the toothy terrors of the reef, growing up to 6 feet long and over 100 pounds. You'll find them lurking around shallow reefs, wrecks, and channel edges in depths from 20 to 100 feet. They're active year-round but especially aggressive in warmer months. Anglers love 'cudas for their savage strikes and acrobatic fights, often clearing the water in spectacular leaps. These fish are pure muscle and speed, capable of short bursts up to 35 mph. Trolling with tube lures or casting topwater plugs are effective tactics. A local tip: when you see one following your bait, speed up your retrieve to trigger their predatory instinct. Watch those teeth when landing them - we always use a net and gloves. While not prized for eating due to potential ciguatera poisoning, barracuda are a blast to catch and release.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel, or "Kingfish," are speed demons of the sea, known for blistering runs that'll smoke your reel. They typically weigh 15-30 pounds but can top 90. Look for them in waters 40-150 feet deep, often near drop-offs or structure. Spring and fall migrations offer prime fishing as they follow bait schools. Kings are popular for their hard fights and decent table fare, though watch out for high mercury levels in bigger fish. Trolling with live bait like blue runners or mullet is deadly effective. A local tip: use a stinger rig with two hooks to improve your hookup ratio, as kings often strike the back half of the bait. Keep your drag set light and be ready for sudden, screaming runs when a big one hits. These fish are a blast on light tackle, but be prepared for some acrobatics at the boat.

Permit

Permit are the holy grail for many anglers - notoriously picky eaters with incredible eyesight. They usually run 15-30 pounds but can reach 60. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats in 2-4 feet of water or hanging around offshore wrecks and reefs. Spring and summer are prime, especially around the full moon when they spawn. Anglers love permit for the challenge - they're one of the toughest fish to fool on a fly or lure. Their deeply forked tail and sickle-shaped fins make for a brutal fight once hooked. Live crabs are the go-to bait, but soft plastic imitations can work too. A local secret: look for them following stingrays on the flats, as they often snatch up disturbed crustaceans. When sight-fishing, make long, accurate casts and let your bait sink naturally. Patience and stealth are key with these wary fish.