Grouper Fishing in Miami
Epinephelinae
Grouper are powerful bottom fish that live on Miami’s reefs, ledges and wrecks. When one bites, it heads straight for the rocks, so the first few seconds decide the fight. Black and red grouper are the most prized. Goliath grouper are a protected giant you may also see.
Quick facts
Red and gag grouper are usually smaller.
Large black grouper live on deep structure.
Black, red, gag, scamp and hinds.
They grab bait and head for cover.
Reefs, ledges and wrecks.
Where to catch them off Miami
Deep reefs
Ledges in 80 to 200 feet.
Wrecks
Miami’s sunken ships.
Rock piles
Scattered rocks and reefs.
Season in Miami
How to read this meter
- PPeak best time to catch
- FFair can catch
- OOff rarely caught
- CClosed season, no harvest
Grouper are closed from January 1 to April 30. Gag grouper have their own shorter season.
Key events
Grouper closure
Atlantic shallow-water grouper are closed to harvest January 1 to April 30 to protect spawning fish.
Fixed by rule.
AffectsGrouper
Best time and conditions
Fall
Before the winter closure, fishing is often good.
Moving water
Current gets grouper feeding.
Techniques and baits
Bottom fishing
Live bait near the bottom.
Heavy tackle
Needed to pull them from the rocks.
Locked drag
Turning them before they reach cover.
Descending devices
Releasing fish safely.
Top baits and lures
- Live pinfish
- Blue runners
- Pilchards
- Squid
Florida regulations
Charter captain and crew may not keep grouper. Biscayne National Park requires 24 inches for red grouper. On a Salty Fresh charter, your fishing license is included.
FWC: Grouper rules · Last checked October 27, 2026
On the table
Excellent. Firm white meat, classic for fried grouper sandwiches.
Which charter is best?
Saltwater Inshore
- $650 per trip
- 4 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 4 guests
- Also targets Snook, Tarpon, Barracuda, Snapper, Cubera Snapper, Schoolmaster Snapper, Hogfish, Grunt, Amberjack and Almaco Jack
Lobster Diving
- $850 per trip
- 6 hours, 8:00 AM start
- Up to 6 guests
- Also targets Lobster, Hogfish and Snapper
Spearfishing
- $850 per trip
- 4 hours, 8:00 AM start
- Up to 6 guests
- Also targets Hogfish, Cubera Snapper, Snapper and Amberjack
Grouper FAQ
When is grouper season in Miami?
Shallow-water grouper are closed Jan 1 to Apr 30. Black grouper are open May to December.
How many grouper can I keep?
3 per person combined, with only 1 black or gag.
Can I keep a goliath grouper?
No. They must be released.
How deep are grouper?
Usually 30 to 250 feet.
Which charter is best for grouper?
The Inshore trip.
Can I cancel my trip?
Free cancellation up to 3 days (72 hours) before your trip. This applies to every trip, including iguana hunts and snorkeling. To cancel, call Capt. Charles at (305) 972-5659 or email saltyfreshfishingcharters@gmail.com.