Grouper is a popular game fish along the Florida coast. It is important to know when the best time to visit Florida is to chase these more powerful brawlers.
Seasonal Breakdown of Grouper in Florida
The grouper is heavily controlled in federal and state waters. State waters extend from the coast to 9 nautical miles, while those on the Atlantic side are only 3 nautical miles away.
Atlantic Coast
All year, the Atlantic coast is home to a lot of grouper action. The Gulf Stream brings warmer waters and larger fish to the coast on the southeastern shore of the state. Because of this, the peak season tends not to begin earlier on the Atlantic side. Peak grouper season on the Atlantic side tends to begin in the winter after the season’s opening.
Gulf Coast
It is best to fish for grouper along the Gulf Coast coast from late spring through early summer depending on where you are going. Clearwater is the best place to fish for grouper. The fishing season starts in early spring. Destin and the Panhandle will be behind the tides for a few weeks as the water warms up.
Florida Keys
The Florida Keys’ season for grouper opens in May and runs through December. It was a great time. You will likely encounter scamp grouper in the Keys. This fish is not common in other parts of Florida. Between May and October is the peak season in Florida Keys for grouper.
The article was written by a professional charter captain at Salty Knots Fishing Charters with 15+ years of experience in the Gulf of Mexico. Salty Knots Fishing Charters is a local fishing charter service based out of St. Pete Beach, Florida. “We know what it takes to catch a giant trophy fish!” Salty Knots Is the best when it comes to offshore fishing charters St Petersburg FL.
