Fishing

Gag Grouper

Mycteroperca microlepis

Remarks: The gag grouper is the most common grouper on rocky ledges in the Gulf of Mexico. They congregate under rocks, reefs and shipwrecks. They are brownish gray and have wormlike markings on their sides. Their fins are dark, and their tails are slightly concave. Gags are often confused with black grouper, which have more of a square tail and a more evenly rounded middle bone of the gill cover. Gags are relatively easy to catch for recreational anglers, and they also desirable for commercial fishermen because of their popularity as a food fish.

The fish

A typical gag grouper can reach 25 pounds, but they have been known to reach 50 pounds and more. Adult gags mostly live offshore and are normally found in 60-250 feet. Juveniles can be found inshore on sea grass beds. In January through March gags go offshore to spawn. Young gags are predominantly female, transforming into males as they grow larger. Gags can be found in the Western Atlantic from North Carolina to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Tackle/tactics

Gags hang out almost exclusively on rocks and ledges, so bottom-fishing with medium tackle and about 25-pound line offshore is best. A depth recorder is an advantage in finding rocky bottoms. Grouper eat either live bait such as pinfish or cutbait such as squid and shrimp. They also will hit a lure trolled near bottom. Gags can be caught inshore on lighter tackle in grass beds.

Regulations

Gag grouper must be no less than 22 inches in the gulf and 24 inches in the Atlantic. There is a limit of five per day per person in the gulf. There is no closed season.

World Record

74 pounds, 12 ounces, caught in Destin.

Sources: International Game Fish Association, Florida Marine Fisheries Organization, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.