fish
Grouper (goliath / gag)
Epinephelus itajara (goliath); Mycteroperca microlepis (gag)
- Identify
- Broad head, huge mouth, mottled brown. Goliaths are the 300-pounders.
- Typical size
- Gag 20–30 in; goliath 100–400 lb
- Where
- Deep holes, river channels, structure
- Scientific
- Epinephelus itajara (goliath); Mycteroperca microlepis (gag)
In the book
Matt's favorite eating fish. The 'unseen giant' that dragged the anchored Bonefisher across the channel; the one that pulled Doc overboard; the one the gator bit in half.
How Matt fishes it
Live bait in deep holes between mangrove islands where the current rushes. Strong arms and back; don't let it get under a rock.
Tackle box: The 'Golden Flicker' , Live shrimp , Live bait
Rules and conservation
Goliath grouper is protected (limited harvest by permit only). Gag has seasons and limits.
Limits, seasons and slot sizes change. Always check the current FWC rules before keeping a fish.
Appears in
Swims with
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Mangrove (gray) snapper Dave's 22-incher; the snapper bonanza at the river mouth ('leave that snapper in the water, it'll attract… Ch. 2Ch. 3Ch. 7Ch. 13 +2 -
Redfish (red drum, 'spot-tail') The first keeper Matt ever caught, at Comer Key. Rose's cooler-toppling redfish at the marina. The 22- and… Ch. 2Ch. 3Ch. 7Ch. 8 +1 -
Spotted seatrout 'Grass bed fishing meant trout.' Three keepers on the first client trip; Dave's trout off Little Pavilion Key. Ch. 2Ch. 3Ch. 7Ch. 16 +1 -
Common snook Fishing royalty. The black lateral stripe is the tell-tale. Matt's 36-inch, 20-pound monster at South Point… Ch. 1Ch. 2Ch. 4Ch. 5 +2