Fish guide
Red Grouper
Epinephelus morio.
We picked these fish for Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay mouth, VA, the region closest to Columbus, Ohio, based on the approximate location of your internet connection (IP geolocation, looked up on our own server). It is about 436 miles away; FishOS covers the coast from Maine to Florida and the Gulf of America, and adds regions as they are checked. Pick another region if that is not where you fish.
FishOS has not charted red grouper in Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay mouth, VA. The regions where it is charted are below.
Season by region
| Florida Keys | JFMAMJJASOND |
|---|---|
| Big Bend | JFMAMJJASOND |
Where to find them
Ledges, holes and limestone reef in shallow to moderate depths; patch reefs when grouper move shallow in fall and winter.
Rests on the bottom near ledges and holes it digs out; eats any convenient prey, swallowing it whole (NOAA, FishBase).
What to look for
Low ledges and dug-out holes on hard bottom.
Bait
Live or cut sardines, Cut squid, Ballyhoo. Knocker rig: 1 to 2 oz slip sinker sliding down to a 1/0 to 2/0 circle hook (Florida Sportsman)..
Leader
Common mistakes
- Letting the fish reach its hole after the bite
Landing
Lift hard right after the bite to keep it out of the rocks.
Handling
Unhook with pliers; release undersized fish quickly.
Keep or release
NOAA describes the meat as mild, sweet, firm and flaky. Rules differ by state and by federal season; see the regulations file.
Typical: About 20 in (50 cm) is a common length (FishBase). Large: Up to almost 50 in and over 50 lb (NOAA).
Limits
FishOS has not checked the VA limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission before you keep a fish.
Sources
- NOAA Fisheries: red grouper (Official source)
- FishBase species summary: Epinephelus morio (red grouper) (Official source)
Is red grouper worth it today?
The planner rates it for your exact time with the live tide, weather and water temperature.
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