Gag grouper are some of the tastiest of the grouper species.  The grouper can be found inshore on structure during the summer months.  The fish must be a minimum of 24 inches to harvest.   The local season runs from June 1st through December 31st.

The gag grouper is the brownish colored grouper.  It has large rear fins, making this a powerful fighting fish, especially once they reach the larger sizes.  White bait on the bottom, or trolling inshore grouper spots may land you a tasty fish during the summer months.  If you are able to hook up with a gag they are likely to swim directly for some sort of structure.  This tendency makes landing inshore grouper difficult.  Fishing around heavy structure requires ideal positioning, even if your the most experienced fisherman.

Once caught, the fish is easy to filet, but be careful when handling your gag.  Sharp plates along the edges of the gills on the exterior of the fish are very sharp.  They really aren’t a challenge to filet. Like many other fish, there is only a small spine and ribcage.  Flaky white meat, not all fishy, makes this fish ideal table fare.