UTERGoliath grouper fishing in Florida's Big Bend
In Florida's Big Bend, goliath grouper are around May–October but never at the peak of their run, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. July: Recovering population moving north — rock piles and wrecks.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Goliath grouper in Florida's Big Bend, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyAroundRecovering population moving north — rock piles and wrecks.
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberAround
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish goliath grouper near Steinhatchee, Cedar Key, Crystal River
A hundred miles of undeveloped coast: vast turtle-grass flats, limestone rock piles and ledges in ten feet of clear water, spring-fed rivers, oyster bars and salt marsh. No passes, no barrier islands — the Gulf just starts.
Fish Scouter charts 1,282 ledge / hard bottom, 336 artificial reef, 211 wreck, 95 pass / inlet spots in the The Big Bend & Nature Coast map area — the kinds goliath grouper hold on.
What to use for goliath grouper
- Blue runners (hardtails)Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia.
- PinfishHooked through the back ahead of the dorsal on a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook; the small ones free-lined, the big ones on a fish-finder rig.
- Leader30–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook2/0–7/0
- Braid30–65 lb
Feeds in 68–90°F water, best at 74–86°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch goliath grouper in Florida's Big Bend?
Goliath grouper are in Florida's Big Bend May–October, but the calendar never marks a peak here. July: Recovering population moving north — rock piles and wrecks.
Where do goliath grouper hold in Florida's Big Bend?
Look on ledge / hard bottom, artificial reef — around Steinhatchee, Cedar Key, Crystal River, Homosassa.
What is the best bait for goliath grouper in Florida's Big Bend?
Live bait: blue runners (hardtails), pinfish. Blue runners (hardtails): Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia. Tackle: leader 30–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 2/0–7/0, braid 30–65 lb.
What are the rules for goliath grouper in Florida's Big Bend?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and change — read the current rule at https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
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