A state link is a recorded source association, not a catch guarantee or confirmation that targeting is legal. Check current regulations with the responsible state agency.
Peak months
Jan · Feb · Sep · Dec
Typical depth
nearshore (young) to offshore adult depths ft
Typical size
Up to 42 inches (50 pounds); commonly up to 20 inches (15 pounds)
Biology, seasons and size reflect the canonical source record, which may contain Florida context. They are not state-specific guidance for every linked state. Missing fields remain unfilled.
Overview
Habitat summary
Bottom-dwelling fish found over hard and muddy bottoms. Juveniles found offshore along with adults greater than 6 years old. Fish from 1 to 6 years occupy nearshore reefs.
Diet
Feed on a variety of fishes and invertebrates.
Water type
saltwater
When to fish
Peak months
Jan · Feb · Sep · Dec
Good months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Seasonality
Spawn in April and May. · FWC Where-to-Fish best times (regional): Fall, spring; Fall–spring; Fall-spring; Year-round; Summer
Bite time of day
daytime on bottom structure
Best time of day
daytime bottom
Tide effect
workable current on bottom structure
Preferred tide
workable current on bottom structure
Tide notes
Same as gag: enough current to feed, not so much baits cannot stay on bottom.
fishable seas for Middle Grounds / hard bottom runs
Pressure notes
Same SWS/forum bottomfish heuristic as gag/snapper.
Where to fish
Habitat summary
Bottom-dwelling fish found over hard and muddy bottoms. Juveniles found offshore along with adults greater than 6 years old. Fish from 1 to 6 years occupy nearshore reefs.
Place links are planning context, not proof of local species presence. Florida city links marked local context follow existing directory relationships, not catch reports.
Real local listings currently cover Florida only. Boat-ramp, charter and creator links below follow existing Florida species relationships. Bait-shop links are city context only, not species-targeting evidence.
Boat ramps — Florida
Selected examples from 1020 source-linked directory records.
For other linked states, local listings are not in the source yet; use the state and species guides above.
Related species
Navigation links share a recorded scientific genus or a source state and water-type grouping. This is not a claim of identical habitat or legal targeting.
LoveToFish is a national fishing guide. Fish species coverage spans all 50 states. Ramp, charter, bait shop, and creator directories currently cover Florida. Verify current local regulations with the responsible agency.