Gag
Mycteroperca microlepis
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
- juveniles shallow estuaries; adults often >60 (FWC); nearshore–offshore ledges typical recreational ft
- Typical size
- Up to 36 inches (50 pounds); commonly up to 25 pounds
- Catch minimum
- National record
See state records · Browse all fishing records
Recorded profile
- habitat summary
- Coastal waters near structure such as rocky bottoms, reefs and drop-off walls in water over 60 feet deep. Juveniles found in estuaries and seagrass beds
- diet
- Feed on fishes and invertebrates.
- preferred bait
- Grouper fishing from a boat typically involves baits fished near the bottom, with heavy tackle and heavier to bring grouper to the surface. Live fish or dead cut or whole bait are used.
- preferred lures
- heavy jigs on ledges
- techniques
- Grouper fishing from a boat typically involves baits fished near the bottom, with heavy tackle and heavier to bring grouper to the surface. Live fish or dead cut or whole bait are used. Grouper are very tasty meals.
- peak months
- Jan · Feb · Sep · Dec
States with a source record
Alabama · Florida · Georgia · Louisiana · Massachusetts · Maryland · Mississippi · North Carolina · New Jersey · South Carolina · Texas · Virginia
Source evidence by state
- Alabama — Gag · seed: www.outdooralabama.com · www.outdooralabama.com
- Florida — Gag Grouper · enriched: myfwc.com · myfwc.com · myfwc.com · catchafloridamemory.com · www.floridasportsman.com
- Georgia — Gag · seed: georgiawildlife.com · georgiawildlife.com · georgiawildlife.com
- Louisiana — Gag · seed: www.wlf.louisiana.gov · www.wlf.louisiana.gov · www.wlf.louisiana.gov
- Massachusetts — Gag · seed: www.mass.gov · www.mass.gov · www.mass.gov
- Maryland — Gag · seed: dnr.maryland.gov · dnr.maryland.gov · dnr.maryland.gov
- Mississippi — Gag · seed: www.mdwfp.com · dmr.ms.gov · www.mdwfp.com
- North Carolina — Gag · seed: www.ncwildlife.gov · auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov · www.deq.nc.gov · www.ncwildlife.gov
- New Jersey — Gag · seed: dep.nj.gov · dep.nj.gov · dep.nj.gov
- South Carolina — Gag · seed: www.dnr.sc.gov · www.dnr.sc.gov · www.dnr.sc.gov · www.dnr.sc.gov
- Texas — Gag · seed: tpwd.texas.gov · tpwd.texas.gov
- Virginia — Gag · seed: dwr.virginia.gov · mrc.virginia.gov
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.