GAG GROUPER HOW TO

GAG GROUPER HOW TO

Gag Grouper – Fishing Techniques: How to Fish for a Gag Grouper Red Tide can heavily affect Gag Grouper populations.Its scientific name microlepis means small scales in Latin.Juvenile Gag Groupers have a different habitat preference to adult Gag Groupers.It usually takes them5-6 years to sexually mature. However, Gag Groupers are more commonly female.When they’re young, all Gag Groupers start out as females.Gag Groupers, when they mature, change sex from female to male.However, some have reported seeing a Gag Grouper reach 145 cm (57 inches) in length and weigh 36.5 kg (80 lbs). They do like some fish and sometimes, an occasional squid.Īn average Gag Grouper is 20 inches (50 cm) long. Though, Gag Groupers are seen to prefer a variety of crustaceans such as crab and shrimp. Their bellies and breast are usually dark gray, almost black.ĭepending on their size, a Gag Grouper’s diet changes. Color-wise however, they are also darker than female Gag Groupers. Unlike female Gag Groupers, a male Gag Grouper’s dorsal fin is reticulated. But the best way to tell a female and a male apart is through the dorsal fin. Their bodies have a more marbled appearance due to the wavy patterns covering their bodies. 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.įemale Gag Groupers are normally pale or medium grey in color. However, it does have a similarity to the Black Grouper: it’s the box-shaped black spots on the back. Its fins are mostly composed are rays and have a laterally-compressed oblong body. Some even describe the Gag Grouper as “drab” in appearance. The Gag Grouper appears to be one of the less aesthetically appealing fish among the Groupers. To learn more about grouper regulations, visit /Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Groupers.Gag Grouper ( Mycteroperca Microlepis ) Fish Description If you plan to fish for gag grouper in Gulf state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, make sure to sign up as a Gulf Reef Fish Angler prior to your fishing trip (annual renewal is required for most anglers, including those over 65 years of age). To learn more, visit /Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Gulf Reef Fish Survey” under “Reef Fish.” Sign up today at.

To see maps of these areas, go to /Fishing and select “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Groupers.” For example, a gag grouper caught April 1 in state waters off Jefferson County cannot be taken ashore in Levy County or parts of Dixie County outside of the Steinhatchee River. Gag grouper caught April 1 to June 30 in Gulf state waters (from shore to 9 nautical miles out) from off the four-county open region may be landed on the Gulf County side of Indian Pass and the Dixie County side of the Steinhatchee River, but may not be taken ashore in other areas closed to harvest. Monroe County state waters follow Atlantic grouper rules. The gag grouper season in the remainder of Gulf of Mexico state waters and federal waters is open June 1 through Dec. State waters off these four counties also open to recreational gag harvest Sept. The season opens April 1 and runs through June 30. The season includes all waters of Apalachicola Bay and Indian Pass, including those in Gulf County, and all waters of the Steinhatchee River, including those in Dixie County. A few small grouper are fun to catch and fight, and give notice of what the giants can do when hooked.įlorida recently announced a regional recreation harvest season for state waters off the coast of Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties. Targeting grouper requires some stout tackle: a heavy rod, strong line and a good hook that will penetrate their thick lips but not give way during the battle. Grouper frequent structure changes and cover, such as sunken ships, oil or gas rigs, and man-made reefs. Gag grouper is one of the most popular saltwater fishing species anglers enjoy catching each year in the Gulf of Mexico, but special seasons and limits help keep populations in check.