Scamps live deeper than gag or red grouper — usually 100-250 ft on rocky structure offshore. The outer reef line 15-30 miles off NE FL holds the better fish. Spawning aggregations form on deeper ledges in spring (March-May). They're considered the best-eating grouper in 904 water.
Dark brown to bronze body with darker mottling, slimmer than gag or red. Florida Atlantic 20-inch minimum, in the 4-grouper aggregate bag. Average 5-15 lb; 25+ lb fish on the deepest structure.
Year-round legal in federal Atlantic water. Spring (March-May) is the spawn aggregation window — fish stack on deeper ledges. Fall (September-November) consistent. Summer harder to target — they're deeper. Winter they're catchable but the deeper run is uncomfortable.
Deep tackle — 80 lb braid, 100 lb leader, 8/0 circle hook, live cigar minnow or vertical jig 100-200 ft down. Scamps hit aggressively but live in deep water that requires planning. Vertical jigging with heavy butterfly jigs is the modern approach. Worth the run for the table.
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.