Red grouper hold on hard bottom and ledges 60-120 feet offshore — slightly shallower than gags typically and more spread out across the bottom rather than tight to single structures. The 904 inner reef line and natural rocks all hold them.
Red-brown body with darker mottling, more robust build than gag, smaller mouth in proportion to body. Florida Atlantic 20-inch minimum, daily bag of 1 in the 4-grouper aggregate, year-round legal (no seasonal closure unlike gag).
Year-round target on hard bottom 60-120 ft. Summer most aggressive in warm water. Less seasonal pattern than gag; consistent enough to plan around. Worth targeting in winter when gag is closed and you want grouper meat.
Bottom rig with whole live pinfish or large cut squid on a 7/0 circle hook, 80 lb leader, 6-8 oz weight, fished tight to the structure at 60-120 ft. Reds bite less aggressively than gag — patient bottom presentation works best. They still rock you if you give them slack. Lift hard, walk them up.
Florida fishing regulations change. Always confirm slot, bag limits, and seasons on the official source before you keep anything. See our Licenses & Regulations page or go straight to MyFWC.com.