Gag Grouper

Peak Season: November – June

Gag grouper have long, compressed bodies and 11 to 14 rays in the anal fins. Their color varies and changes with the size of the fish. Large gag are dark brownish-gray on top and paler on the bottom, with traces of dark wavy markings on the sides. Smaller fish are much lighter and have numerous dark brown or charcoal kiss-like marks along the sides. Gag grouper have deeply notched gill covers, distinguishing them from black grouper.

The best way to catch gag grouper is by bottom fishing with live bait, such as cigar minnows and squid, using depth finders to locate deepwater rock piles, ledges, wrecks, and artificial reefs.

Grouper is a mild-tasting, oily fish with a faintly sweet undertone. Compared to other fish, it is one of the mildest with very little taste. Its flavor profile is a cross between a halibut and a bass.