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 Tarpon Springs. 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

Targeting Gag Grouper out of Tarpon Springs requires a bit of a boat ride, but the rewards are well worth the effort. These bottom-dwelling bruisers are found around natural reefs and artificial structures in the Gulf of Mexico. The best time to fish for Gag Grouper is during the fall and winter months when the water cools down and they move closer to shore. Focus your efforts on depths of 60 to 120 feet, using live or dead bait fished near the bottom. A stout rod and reel are essential, as these fish are powerful fighters. A local tip: check the artificial reef coordinates before you head out; many are well-marked on nautical charts. Be sure to use heavy tackle and circle hooks to ensure a good hookset and minimize injury to the fish. The Gag Grouper population here is carefully managed, so always check the current regulations regarding size and season before heading out.

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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 Tarpon Springs 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 are some good spots to catch Gag Grouper around Tarpon Springs?

Look for Gag Grouper around rocky bottom, artificial reefs, and ledges in the Gulf of Mexico near Tarpon Springs. These fish prefer structures for ambush and shelter.

What's the best bait for Gag Grouper in Tarpon Springs?

Gag Grouper in the Tarpon Springs area are known to take live pinfish, grunts, and squirrelfish readily. Large artificial lures such as jigs and deep-diving plugs are also effective.

Do I need a license to fish for Gag Grouper in Tarpon Springs?

Yes, you'll need a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License to target Gag Grouper in Tarpon Springs. Make sure it's up-to-date before heading out.

Are there any size or bag limits for Gag Grouper near Tarpon Springs?

Regulations for Gag Grouper, including size and bag limits, can change. Check the current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations for the most up-to-date information.

More Gag Grouper Fishing in Florida

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Other Species to Fish in Tarpon Springs

Spanish Mackerel Spotted Seatrout Red Snapper Tarpon Snook Redfish

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