Fishing Charters in Florida

Browse fishing charters in Florida that can help you catch gag grouper.

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

offshoreinshoredeep seaRed SnapperGag Grouper

Palm Bay, FL

Up to 4

Best Time to Catch Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper can be caught year-round in Cape Coral. Right now in April, activity is moderate.

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Seasonal Activity Chart

Current Status: fair

Moderate activity. Gag Grouper can be caught but may require more effort and local knowledge.

BEST

GOOD

FAIR

POOR

Gag Grouper

Various

Cape Coral offers access to some excellent gag grouper fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. These bottom-dwelling bruisers are a prized catch, and can be found around natural reefs, artificial reefs, and wrecks in the area. The cooler months, from fall through spring, are generally considered the best time to target gag grouper, as they tend to move closer to shore during this period. Focus your efforts in depths ranging from 30 to 120 feet. Live bait, such as pinfish or grunts, is highly effective, but jigs and diving plugs can also produce. A crucial tip for success: use heavy tackle and braided line, as gag grouper are notorious for their ability to quickly retreat into their rocky lairs. The gag grouper population in this area is subject to regulations, so be sure to check the current size and bag limits before heading out. Popular spots include areas off of Sanibel and Captiva Islands, but always consult with local tackle shops for the latest hotspots.

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How to Catch Gag Grouper

Typical Size

Length: Varies by fishery

Weight: Varies by fishery

Habitat

•Local structure and edges
•Current seams
•Bait concentrations
•Depth changes

Where & When to Fish

Target Locations

•Current seams
•Points/edges
•Structure holding bait

Best Times

•Dawn/dusk and nights
•Moving tides or peak current

Bias patterns to Cape Coral area: use local structure (passes/bridges for coastal; channels/points for inland) and match depth to temperature.

Gag Grouper Fishing Regulations in Florida

License Required

Saltwater fishing license

Regulations vary by area and season. Check current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations before fishing.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Florida state wildlife agency before fishing.

Related Species in Florida

Snook

Redfish

Largemouth Bass

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to target Gag Grouper around Cape Coral?

Gag Grouper are often found near structure. Try fishing around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom areas with live or dead baitfish.

Do I need a license to fish for Gag Grouper in Cape Coral, Florida?

Yes, because Gag Grouper are a saltwater species, you will need a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License to legally target them in Cape Coral.

Are there any specific size restrictions for keeping Gag Grouper in Florida?

Yes, there is a size limit, but it is currently unknown. Check the current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations for the most up-to-date size requirements before heading out.

Is there a bag limit for Gag Grouper in Florida?

Yes, there is a bag limit, but it is currently unknown. Check the current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations for the most up-to-date bag limit before heading out.

More Gag Grouper Fishing in Florida

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Other Species to Fish in Cape Coral

Spanish Mackerel Spotted Seatrout Red Snapper Tarpon Snook Redfish

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