Featured Gag Grouper Guides
Expert captains ready to take you on your next Gag Grouper adventure.
Nauti Girl Sportfishing
Palm Bay, FL
Captain Scott has been fishing Sebastian Inlet and the Space & treasure Coast since he moved here in 2002. But this is how his story started out, he saw the movie "Jaws" in June 1975 and found his calling, He started fishing along the Carolina coast and Gulf Stream at the age of 13. He fished around the world for 12 years in the US Navy, where he earned his 100 ton USCG Masters License. In 1993 in Port Aransas, Texas he was mentored by Captain Reese Green of Bill Buster's Sportfishing and he later went on to win some of the biggest fishing tournaments in the world. Island Mooring Pro Billfish Tournament 1993 and 1994 1997 Watermelon Classic Billfish Tournament 1997 Poco Bueno Blue Marlin Classic Texas Invitational Fishing Tournament 1995 Texas Women’s Anglers Tournament 1998 & 1999 Sharkey’s Pro Big Shark Tournament 1997-2000 Port Aransas Boatman “Deep Sea Round Up” 1997, 1999 and 2000 2007 Orange Beach Pro Billfish Tournament 2008 North Carolina Wahoo Shoot-Out He started Pure Pleasure Fishing in 1995 and ran it until 2003, when he moved to Melbourne, Florida and honed his skills on fishing Florida’s East Coast. Captain Scott is one of the world's top big shark fishing captains, having caught huge great whites, tiger sharks, mako sharks, bull sharks, hammerheads, blacktips, spinners and many more species. Captain Scott has caught 8 different species of billfish around the world, loves trolling and tuna fishing, bottom fishing, jigging and deep dropping. Captain Scott has caught 4 grander fish in his life (black marlin, mako shark, tiger shark and a great white). He has over a thousand + fish greater than 100 pounds boated under his skillful watch from wahoo, to blue and yellowfin tuna, thousands of sharks and many a blue marlin. Captain Scott is just missing a spearfish for his bucket list. Scott is a power production electrical engineer University of Texasand proud Long Horn. He works US Government civil service for the USAF with a TS-SCI Clearance and is retiring soon to pursue his love of fishing one last time. We are a veteran-owned company and offer Veteran and Military discounts
Salty Dawg Fishing Charters
Salty Dawg Fishing Charters specializes in Inshore, Nearshore, Shark Fishing, and Kids Fishing Charters. Based in Ocean Isle Beach NC, but also serving Sunset Beach NC and Holden Beach NC. Veteran-Owned.
Plan a Gag Grouper Fishing Trip
Find the best times and places to catch Gag Grouper, and get matched with experienced guides.
Best Time to Catch Gag Grouper
Peak months for Gag Grouper fishing across the US.
Best Places to Catch Gag Grouper
Top 6 cities ranked by guide availability and species data quality.
States Where Gag Grouper Are Found
Top Locations for Gag Grouper
Seasonal Activity Chart
Gag Grouper
The Gag Grouper is a prized gamefish inhabiting the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Known for their powerful runs and delicious flavor, gag grouper are highly sought after by anglers. These bottom-dwelling predators offer a challenging fight, testing the angler's strength and skill. From the reefs off Destin, Florida, to the wrecks near Charleston, South Carolina, gag grouper provide exciting fishing opportunities.
Bottom fishing with live or dead bait is a common and effective technique for targeting gag grouper. Popular bait choices include pinfish, grunts, and squid. Use a heavy-duty conventional rod and reel spooled with braided line in the 60-80 lb test range. A Carolina rig with a 8-16 ounce weight, depending on the current and depth, and a circle hook is a standard setup. Alternatively, jigging with large bucktail jigs or vertical jigs can also be productive. Focus on areas around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom structure.
Gag grouper fishing is typically best during the fall and winter months when water temperatures are cooler. Regulations regarding size limits and seasons can vary, so it's crucial to check the current regulations before fishing. Look for areas with strong currents and plenty of structure. Early morning and late afternoon are often the most productive times to fish.
For anglers new to gag grouper fishing, start by fishing with an experienced captain or guide. They can provide valuable insights into the best techniques and locations. When targeting gag grouper, it's essential to use heavy tackle to prevent them from reaching the structure and breaking the line. Be prepared for a hard fight, and always prioritize safety when fishing offshore.