When can you catch goliath grouper in Florida?
The goliath grouper harvest period opens on March 1 through May 31.
Where is the best place to catch a goliath grouper in Florida?
Sanibel Island, Florida Sanibel Island is excellent for grouper fishing because it is open year-round. Anglers are invited to take on the challenge of reeling in a goliath grouper any day of the year. If you did want to plan a trip to Sanibel Island, consider going during the high season from May to October.
What is the best month to catch grouper?
The best time of year to fish for gag grouper in the shallows would be from October through the end of the season in December, however, they can be caught all year long. Since these fish are so strong on their initial run we use extremely heavy tackle to keep them out of the structure and into your cooler.
Where is the best place to catch goliath grouper?
Most of the Goliath Grouper are caught in the Gulf of Mexico or Central Florida.
Are goliath grouper easy to catch?
First, it was overfished — the goliath is easy to catch, living in known locations and spawning at specific spots.
Can you eat goliath grouper?
Generally, goliath grouper does not present any more health risks when eaten raw than other raw fish—salmon, tuna, or swordfish. However, it’s best to eat goliath grouper after it’s been cooked because the muscle is quite tough. Cooking tenderizes the meat and makes it much more enjoyable.
How many goliath grouper can you keep in Florida?
A recreational harvest of up to 200 goliath per year, with a maximum of 50 from Everglades National Park.
How aggressive are goliath grouper?
Goliath Grouper. This large, solitary fish will defend its territory when threatened, with aggressive body language and a rumbling sound it makes with its swim bladder.
What is the largest goliath grouper ever caught?
As of 2021, the largest Goliath Grouper recorded caught in the wild is 680 pounds on the Southern coast of Florida. Anglers reeled the Grouper in May of 1961. In June 2021, another group of fishermen in Florida caught an almost-as-gargantuan Goliath that weighed in at about 500 pounds.
What is grouper season in Florida?
Florida Goliath Grouper Season Each permit allows for the harvest of one goliath grouper and there are approximately 200 permits. The slot limit for goliath grouper is between 24 and 36 inches. The new season is open from March 1, to May 31, 2023.
