Description: Grouper are a Tampa Bay, Florida deep sea fishing favorite. Red Grouper are brownish red; lining of mouth scarlet-orange; blotches on sides in unorganized pattern; second spine of dorsal fin longer than others; pectoral fins longer than pelvic fins; squared off tail; margin of soft dorsal black with white at midfin; black dots around the eyes.
Food Value: Delicious.
Where Found: Common throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Bottom dwelling fish associated with hard bottom; juveniles OFFSHORE along with adults greater than 6 years old; fish from 1 to 6 years occupy NEARSHORE reefs.
Size: Common to 15 pounds.
Florida Red Grouper Record: 39 lbs., 8 ozs.
Grouper Fishing Techniques: Trolling; Still fishing over wrecks or reefs; Drift Fishing.
Remarks: Red Grouper spawn in April and May; prefering water temperatures between 66 and 77 degrees F; feeds on squid, crustaceans, and fish. To catch your very own Grouper call Captain Tom Masse at 941-544-6138
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