UTERBlack grouper fishing in The Florida Keys
In The Florida Keys, black grouper peak October–March and are around year-round, spawning in January–March, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Spawning season on the reef edge — the Atlantic shallow-water grouper closure covers part of it; check MyFWC.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Black grouper in The Florida Keys, month by month
- JanuarySpawningSpawning season on the reef edge — the Atlantic shallow-water grouper closure covers part of it; check MyFWC.
- FebruarySpawning
- MarchSpawning
- AprilAround
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeakFall fish moving up onto the reef.
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish black grouper near Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon
Oceanside flats and patch reefs inside the reef line, the reef itself, then the Gulf-side banks and basins of Florida Bay and the backcountry. Bridges and channels connect the two. The clearest, warmest water in the state.
Fish Scouter charts 1,715 ledge / hard bottom, 695 artificial reef, 340 wreck spots in the The Florida Keys map area — the kinds black grouper hold on.
What to use for black grouper
- 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.
- Blue runners (hardtails)Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia.
- PigfishFree-lined or under a cork on a 2/0 circle hook for gator trout; on the bottom for grouper.
- Leader30–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook2/0–7/0
- Braid30–65 lb
Feeds in 66–86°F water, best at 72–82°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch black grouper in The Florida Keys?
Peak season is October–March, with fish spawning in January–March (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Black grouper are here year-round. January: Spawning season on the reef edge — the Atlantic shallow-water grouper closure covers part of it; check MyFWC.
Where do black grouper hold in The Florida Keys?
Look on artificial reef, wreck, ledge / hard bottom — around Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine, Key West.
What is the best bait for black grouper in The Florida Keys?
Live bait: pinfish, blue runners (hardtails), pigfish. Pinfish: Hooked 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. Tackle: leader 30–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 2/0–7/0, braid 30–65 lb.
What are the rules for black grouper in The Florida Keys?
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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All about black grouper · The Florida Keys, the whole year