UTERGoliath grouper fishing in Indian River Lagoon
In Indian River Lagoon, goliath grouper are around May–October but never at the peak of their run, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. August: On the Canaveral wrecks in summer.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Goliath grouper in Indian River Lagoon, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAroundOn the Canaveral wrecks in summer.
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberAround
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish goliath grouper near Melbourne, Cocoa, Titusville
Mosquito Lagoon, the Banana River and the northern Indian River Lagoon — shallow, clear, grass-and-sand flats famous for sight-fishing tailing redfish and giant trout — plus Port Canaveral and Ponce Inlet, the beaches, and the nearshore reefs.
Fish Scouter charts 118 wreck, 85 artificial reef, 48 bridge, 17 ledge / hard bottom, 3 pass / inlet spots in the The Space Coast Lagoons 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 Indian River Lagoon?
Goliath grouper are in Indian River Lagoon May–October, but the calendar never marks a peak here. August: On the Canaveral wrecks in summer.
Where do goliath grouper hold in Indian River Lagoon?
Look on wreck, bridge, artificial reef, pass / inlet — around Melbourne, Cocoa, Titusville, Port Canaveral, New Smyrna Beach.
What is the best bait for goliath grouper in Indian River Lagoon?
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 Indian River Lagoon?
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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