Commercially considered as the prize of all the Groupers. In depths where practical, however, spinning and baitcasting tackle will handle Scamps admirably-and provide great sport as well as a great dinner. Any kind of small fish makes a fine livebait.
Shrimp, squid and cut baits also do the job. Large diving plugs draw strikes in fairly shallow water-to about 50 feet. SIZE: Averages pounds; maximum probably less than 10 pounds. World record 8 pounds, 2 ounces. Rare elsewhere in Florida. Smaller wormlike markings on lower sides and fins. World record 14 pounds, 8 ounces. Best baits are small live fish and fresh cut fish or squid.
Tigers will take a variety of artificials, including jigs and trolling plugs. Adults can be found at a variety of depths, from holes and channels of coastal waters out to offshore ledges and reefs; also around pilings of bridges and under deepwater docks and piers.
Juveniles are brilliantly marked with a series of irregular dark brown bars against a light brown or gray background, extending from head to tail. Numerous black spots are usually present as well on head, sides and fins. Adults have the same pattern but in more subdued shades of brown that are not so brilliantly contrasted.
The tail is round, as are the posterior, dorsal, anal and pectoral fins. SIZE: Traditionally seen in many sizes from a few pounds to pounds. Reported to reach half a ton. The really huge fish are rare anymore, but slowly returning. World and Florida records pounds.
Some very big ones have been caught on very light lines in shallow water after being coaxed away from obstructions, but the giant Jewfish around deep wrecks defy the heaviest sporting tackle. Again, though, it takes all the muscle you and your tackle can come up with to battle Jewfish of pounds or more. Best natural baits are live Snapper, live Jack and live Catfish inshore; live or dead large fish for offshore giants including Bonito and Amberjack up to 15 pounds or more.
Seldom encountered in less than feet, and most common in much deeper water. Partyboats working offshore waters of the state's upper half both Gulf and Atlantic seem to bring in Warsaws more often than elsewhere. Tail square and yellowish. Second dorsal spine is elongated and crest-like. SIZE: This is the second-largest Grouper, commonly caught at pounds, with pounders not rare. Probably grows to more than World and Florida records pounds, 12 ounces.
Large specimens which most are can be somewhat coarse unless the fillets are cut into thin steaks for frying or baking. Catches on lighter tackle are opportunistic and rare, and usually of the smaller specimens. Fairly large whole fish, or halved bonito and other hefty cut baits are all productive whenever they can be dropped to within gulping range of a Warsaw.
Back to top Index 9. Great majority of sport catches are made in feet. No black mark on caudal peduncle fleshy area between tail and posterior dorsal fin. SIZE: Common at pounds; maximum perhaps 40 pounds. World record 42 pounds, 4 ounces; Florida record 39 pounds, 8 ounces. Here are a few common types that you may encounter and what you need to know about each to increase your chances of getting a large catch.
The fish in this species are hermaphrodites i. The male differs from females in appearance, as well. Plus, grouper fish size matters when it comes to fishing gear and tactics. Identification — The head and body of this grouper species is a dark reddish-brown. It also white spots on the sides and a red underbelly. Distribution — This grouper can be found in coastal areas in the Western Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico, and is abundant in Florida.
Size and age — The red grouper can grow to up to 50 inches in length and can weigh about 51 pounds. It can live for 20 or more years.
Habitat — Red groupers remain in inshore waters for five years before relocating to offshore hard-bottomed habitats, which are often edges of the continental shelf. Spawning season — This grouper spawns between January and June, and the season peaks in May. Food — This opportunistic feeder lies in wait for spiny lobsters, snapping shrimp, crabs, and smaller fish. Identification — This grouper is brownish-gray and has dark, worm-like markings on the side.
It has dark fins and tan lines that radiate from the eyes. It is often mistaken for the black grouper. Size and age — This fish can weigh more than 25 pounds and can grow to about 36 inches in length. Four ounces of uncooked grouper has only calories, 2 grams of fat none of which is saturated and only 55 grams of cholesterol.
When you add the 23 grams of protein plus calcium and iron, grouper begins to look like the perfect food. Because the grouper meat is so low in fat, some basting may be necessary when grilling, broiling or baking.
Florida grouper can be purchased fresh or frozen. It can be used in almost any seafood recipe and its unique flavor comes out beautifully with a touch of mild seasoning and fresh herbs. Firm texture, white meat with large flake and a mild flavor.
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