Gag Grouper

Appearance

Gag groupers have a mottled gray coloration with varying patterns of box-shaped markings.

Habitat

Generally swim in depths between 60 and 250 feet, but they can be found as deep as 500 feet. Younger fish stick to nearshore waters and bays, while older gag groupers are more offshore, commonly found near bottom cover like rocks, reefs, and oil platforms.

State Record

74.43 lbs., Abel Ceja, 2013

Fishing Tips

Get live or dead bait down to the bottom. Jigging can produce as well.