Red Grouper (Epinephelus morio)
- Size: Red grouper can vary drastically in size, depending on whether it was caught inshore or offshore. Most individuals range from 1 to 4 feet in length and weigh between 5 to 30 pounds. However, larger specimens can reach over 50 pounds.
- Habitat: Red grouper prefer to hug the bottom near structure such as artificial reefs, ledges, and wrecks many miles offshore, often in depths ranging from 50 to 300 feet.
- Bait: An energetic, hand-sized pinfish is the ultimate grouper bait and will almost always get eaten within a few moments of hitting the bottom. Octopus are also a prized grouper bait, although less commonly used. Large bucktail jigs tipped with squid can be an effective artificial bait.
- Tackle: Heavy conventional reels and short, stiff rods are necessary to pull grouper off of the bottom. Quick reflexes are also a must when grouper fishing as they will hit hard and fast, then immediately rush back to their hiding spot in the structure. Line-breaks are a very common occurrence when grouper fishing.
- Food Value: Grouper are some of the best-eating fish in the sea and have thick, firm fillets that are perfectly built for the grill. However, be careful when cleaning your catch as larger red grouper often have worms.