Gag grouper

Gray to brownish grouper with darker worm-like marks in clusters; the tail edge is dark with a white margin.

5–20 lb.

About 4.5 ft and 80 lb.

Fish, squid, crabs and shrimp living around reefs, ledges and wrecks.

Holds tight to rock, ledges and wrecks and dives back into cover when hooked.

Found from Florida Atlantic Coast, Florida Gulf Coast, South Florida & Keys, Northern Gulf (AL–TX), Mexico Gulf Coast, Georgia & South Carolina and North Carolina. Ledges, rock piles, wrecks and artificial reefs; young fish in grass beds and bays.

Ledges, rock piles, wrecks and artificial reefs; young fish in grass beds and bays.

20–250 ft; shallow in fall and winter on the Gulf coast.

Fish near the bottom over the structure; use enough weight to hold bottom in the current.

Caught all year, but federal and state seasons often limit when you can keep it.

Daylight fishing is fine; dawn and dusk are often better.

A moderate current makes fish feed; slack water slows the bite.

Pick calm days you can safely anchor or drift over structure.

Live pinfish, grunts, sardines; big cut baits.

Deep-diving plugs trolled over ledges; heavy jigs.

Medium-heavy to heavy conventional rod with a 30–50 lb class reel.

4/0–8/0 circle hooks (circle hooks are required for reef fish in Gulf federal waters).

40–65 lb braid.

50–80 lb fluorocarbon.

Anchor or drift over ledges with live bait, lock the drag and turn the fish's head before it reaches the rocks.

The first 10 seconds decide it — crank hard and pump up before it gets back in its hole.

Catch and release: wet your hands, keep the fish in the water when you can, and release it quickly. Use circle hooks and a dehooker.

Excellent eating — one of the best-tasting fish in its range.

Bleed and ice it right away. Fillet, then remove the skin and any dark bloodline.

Cook fish to 145°F (63°C) — the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily. Fry, grill, bake or blacken.

Sharp gill covers and fin spines; use a descending device or venting tool to release fish caught deep (required in federal waters).

Gag has short federal and state recreational seasons in the Gulf and Atlantic, plus size and bag limits — check FWC/NOAA before keeping one. A Florida fishing license is required unless you are exempt; Florida rules are set by FWC (myfwc.com). Federal waters fall under NOAA Fisheries. Other states and countries set their own limits — check before you keep fish.

Keep only what you'll eat, release the rest quickly, and follow size and bag limits.