Fishing Charters in Florida
Browse fishing charters in Florida that can help you catch goliath 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
Reel Adventures
World class Boca Grande Tarpon Fishing Charters in Florida on the flats and back country of Tampa Bay,, Clearwater, St Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, and Charlotte Harbor for tarpon, snook, redfish, permit trout, cobia, and goliath grouper.
Right on Charters
Marathon fishing charters, Fly fishing charters, light tackle spin fishing charters and Family Fun Fishing charters. Fishing the Marathon, Islamorada, Big Pine and Everglades National Park Backcountry. 11 years experience guiding full time in the Florida Keys. Come chase permit, tarpon, bonefish, redfish, snook, snappers,sharks, barracuda, cabin, Goliath grouper and more;.
SW Slam Fishing LLC
Join Captain Jason in reeling in Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Goliath Grouper and more! Catering to all skill levels, expect big fish and a fun adventure!
Florida Inshore Xtream Charters
Boca Grande, Englewood, Pine Island Sound... inshore, nearshore, tarpon and goliath grouper fishing charters.
Coastal Outfitters Sport Fishing Charters
Top-rated New Port Richey, Florida sport fishing charter that specializes in targeting Tarpon, Shark, Goliath Grouper in the Gulf of Mexico
Captain Jody Weis
We offer the best Offshore fishing boats where you might hook into Snook, Shark, Grouper, Snapper, Permit, Barracuda, Cobia, Mackerel and Goliath Grouper.
Best Time to Catch Goliath Grouper
Peak season: May, June. Also good: March, April, July, August. Right now in April, activity is good.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Goliath Grouper
Islamorada, the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World," offers anglers the chance to test their skills against the impressive Goliath Grouper. While these fish are protected and catch-and-release only, the thrill of the fight is undeniable. You'll find them primarily around the abundant reefs, wrecks, and bridge pilings that characterize the waters surrounding Islamorada. The warmer months, from late spring to early fall, are generally the most productive. When targeting Goliaths, be prepared with heavy tackle: 80-100 lb test line, a sturdy rod, and large circle hooks are a must. A local tip: the bridges spanning the channels between the islands are hotspots for these fish. Live bait, such as large crabs or jacks, is often the most effective offering. Remember to handle these fish with utmost care during the release, ensuring they are properly oxygenated before being returned to the water. Prioritize responsible angling practices to help ensure the future of this incredible species.
Plan a Trip to Islamorada
See what's biting in Islamorada, find top-rated guides, and estimate charter costs.
How to Catch Goliath Grouper
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Goliath Grouper in Islamorada.
Goliath Grouper Fishing Regulations in Florida
Open Season
March 1 – May 31
Daily Bag Limit
1 per person per open season
Size Limit
24-36 inches total length
License Required
Saltwater fishing license with a Goliath Grouper harvest permit
Harvest is only allowed in specific areas of Florida. Check FWC regulations for details.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Florida state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the regulations for keeping Goliath Grouper in Islamorada, FL?
If you have a saltwater fishing license and a Goliath Grouper harvest permit, you can harvest one Goliath Grouper per open season (March 1 – May 31). The fish must be between 24 and 36 inches in total length.
When is Goliath Grouper season open in Islamorada?
The season for harvesting Goliath Grouper in Islamorada, Florida, is open from March 1st to May 31st.
Do I need a special permit to harvest Goliath Grouper in Florida?
Yes, in addition to a standard saltwater fishing license, you'll need a Goliath Grouper harvest permit to legally harvest one during the open season.
What size Goliath Grouper can I keep if I catch one in Islamorada?
You can only keep Goliath Grouper that measure between 24 and 36 inches in total length during the open season.
More Goliath Grouper Fishing in Florida
Other Species to Fish in Islamorada
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