UTERGoliath grouper fishing in The Florida Keys
In The Florida Keys, goliath grouper peak August–September and are around year-round, spawning in August–September, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. August: Spawning on the wrecks and the bridge channels around the August moon.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Goliath grouper in The Florida Keys, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilAround
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyArriving
- AugustSpawningSpawning on the wrecks and the bridge channels around the August moon.
- SeptemberSpawning
- OctoberAround
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish goliath 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, 88 bridge, 49 pass / inlet spots in the The Florida Keys 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 The Florida Keys?
Peak season is August–September, with fish spawning in August–September (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Goliath grouper are here year-round. August: Spawning on the wrecks and the bridge channels around the August moon.
Where do goliath grouper hold in The Florida Keys?
Look on wreck, bridge, ledge / hard bottom, artificial reef, pass / inlet — around Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine, Key West.
What is the best bait for goliath grouper in The Florida Keys?
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 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 goliath grouper · The Florida Keys, the whole year