UTERGoliath grouper fishing in The Everglades
In The Everglades, 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: Adults spawning on the outside wrecks and ledges.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Goliath grouper in The Everglades, month by month
- JanuaryAroundThe mangrove creeks of the Ten Thousand Islands are the goliath nursery.
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilAround
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyArriving
- AugustSpawningAdults spawning on the outside wrecks and ledges.
- SeptemberSpawning
- OctoberAround
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish goliath grouper near Marco Island, Everglades City, Chokoloskee
Mangrove islands, tidal creeks, oyster bars and the outside beaches from Marco south to Cape Sable, then Florida Bay's shallow basins and banks. Almost none of it developed. The most tide-driven water in the state.
Fish Scouter charts 121 ledge / hard bottom, 49 artificial reef, 48 wreck, 40 pass / inlet spots in the The Ten Thousand Islands & Everglades 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 Everglades?
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: Adults spawning on the outside wrecks and ledges.
Where do goliath grouper hold in The Everglades?
Look on pass / inlet — around Marco Island, Everglades City, Chokoloskee, Flamingo.
What is the best bait for goliath grouper in The Everglades?
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 Everglades?
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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