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Black Grouper Fishing Charters

Check real-time availability on 202 black grouper fishing trips. Online booking | 4.84 / 5 stars | Guides from $700

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Recently Booked Black Grouper Fishing Charters

Fishing in Key West

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West "Flex" Sportfishing

100% (6)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $715
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Fishing in Key West

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Fishing Slam

NEW
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,155
Fishing in Freeport

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Freeport

Freeport Run - 38' Luhrs

NEW
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,442
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A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Key West

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Offshore Action

86% (7)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,100
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A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Key Largo

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key Largo

Epic Biscayne Bay Trip

100% (6)
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $385
Fishing in Galveston

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Galveston

Going Deep - 35' Sea Hunter

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,255

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Black Grouper Fishing Charters

Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Deep Sea Run - 40' Luhrs in Key West

Captain Mark will guide you on a thrilling adventure through the waters of Key West, Florida! You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Mark’s 40-foot Luhrs sportfisher, which is equipped with two 750-HP Caterpillar engines that will get you out to your destination quickly and seamlessly. She can accommodate up to 6 adventurous anglers and has a GPS, fishfinder, live bait well, and ice box. On this trip, you’ll be targeting a wide variety of species, including Billfish, like White Marlin and Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Mutton Snapper, and Amberjack. You might also catch a few sharks. Prepare yourself to feel the intense power of this apex predator as you reel it in. The longer you go, the farther out you can travel, and the farther out you travel, the bigger the fish get! Don’t forget to bring a cooler to take home your day’s catch, food and drinks for the day (no glass), sunscreen, and a hat. Captain Mark will provide all rods, reels, tackle, and fishing licenses. Let go of your daily responsibilities and have some fun fishing with Captain Mark! Read More

Deep Sea, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Deep Sea Run - 40' Luhrs

100% (4)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,540
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
trip description for Daily Drift Fishing Trips in Fort Lauderdale

On this shared trip you'll be join other guests on board for our daily reef fishing trip out of Fort Lauderdale. We fish this trip every day aboard our large 85ft party fishing boat on a 4 hour trip. We fish out in the ocean on the reefs offshore of Fort Lauderdale, bottom fishing for all the good eating reef fish such as snappers, groupers, porgies, grunts, jacks, triggerfish and more. Catch fish and have fun on an all-inclusive trip with captain and deckhands that will help you during the trip with the fishing. Trip includes all the gear, bait, tackle, licenses, rods/reels and coolers with ice. Deckhands are there with you to help you in using the equipment and catching the fish. They can teach you if you don't have experience. We're targeting numbers of fish over size of fish on this trip to maximize action for everyone and we usually do quite well. It's still fishing but even on slow days most people bring home a few. Whatever you catch is yours to keep and when we get back to the dock, our deckhands offer free fish cleaning and we have fish bags and ice for you to take your fish home. Our techniques are either drift fishing or anchor fishing, both are very similar forms of bottom fish fishing. We are using cut bait such as squid, ballyhoo and sardines and all this is provided. We're fishing about a mile offshore where it starts to get deep and we fish the reefs, wrecks, patch reefs, buoys and current edges where we know the fish are. We've been doing this for over 40 years in the same location and we fish every single day on the same schedule. Give us a try and we'd love to have you out with us. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Daily Drift Fishing Trips

NEW
85 ft 1 - 15 People From $76
Fishing in Summerland Key
Fishing in Summerland Key
Fishing in Summerland Key
trip description for Summerland Key Flats Action in Summerland Key

When you get out there with Captain Brandon on the flats, you're in for the ultimate hunt. Whether that's chasing cruising Permit, lurking Snook, or going after Sharks, there are a ton of top sportfish species just waiting to grab your hook! Summerland Key is one of the most beautiful places in Florida, and you'll be out there with a highly skilled, experienced guide! Captain Brandon runs a smooth operation on board his 17' Ankona skiff, and he'll be doing the utmost to put you on quality fish in record numbers! If you're a beginner or just looking to have some fun on your vacation, Brandon will help you catch a cooler full of tasty eating fish, including Snappers, Redfish, and Grouper. If you're a more advanced angler, you'll be more than welcome to take a shot at some of the premier sportfish, including Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, and Snook. Either way, you'll have a blast and come home with photos and memories that will last a lifetime. Captain Brabndon can provide all of the gear for your trip—if you need it—and he'll have a cooler with ice, water, and soft drinks ready to rock and roll. Feel free to bring a snack or pick up a sandwich on your way to the dock. You can also bring any other drinks of your choice as well to be stored in the cooler on board. Don't forget your polarized sunglasses. These are essential out on the flats to help eliminate glare and see the fish as quickly as possible! Read More

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Summerland Key

Summerland Key Flats Action

100% (6)
17 ft 1 - 3 People From $440
Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
trip description for St. Pete Offshore Experience in St. Petersburg

Go aboard Captain Greg's beautiful 32' Sabalo and see what fishing in St. Peter's is all about! You'll be able to get a taste of everything on this trip, including nearshore reef fishing, offshore trolling, and everything in between. There are so many species available on this trip that we're barely able to list them all! The Gulf of Mexico is know as the Grouper capital of the world, and in the reefs, wrecks, and ledges you'll fish there are Black, Red, Scamp, Gag, and Goliath Grouper. Aside from bottomfish, there are also tons of Gray Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Red Snapper, Amberjack, and Triggerfish that can be caught on the same reefs! These fish are all absolutely delicious table fare, and Captain Greg is happy to clean your keepers at the end of the trip. For surface trolling, there's an abundance of King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Spanish Mackerel, Barracuda, and even Sharks! These species are a blast to catch and provide a challenge for every level of angler. You'll be fishing from a 32′ Sabalo sportfisher, built in the "Down East Cruiser" style. She has 15 feet of fishing deck space, with 11 rod holders and an open deck all the way around the stern. The 315-HP Cummins diesel engine makes her an extremely reliable fishing machine. With over 200 gallons of fuel capacity, she can take you out 100 miles and back with fuel to spare! In addition, she boasts 1800 lbs. of ice capacity; far more than a charter could ever need. This means there’s room for all your food, drinks, fish, and plenty of fresh ice. The creature comforts of this charter boat are more than worthy. Her central engine box has a cushion that’s 24 square feet and 6” thick for comfortable seating for six. There’s also a fish box with another 4 inch thick cushion that seats two. There’s also plenty of room to rest in the oversized v-berth below. Whether you want to relax on a fifty mile ride offshore or sit down and reel in a fish, there’s room for you AND five of your friends. Captain Greg will provide everything you need for a blue-ribbon day, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. All you need to bring is sunscreen, proper clothing, sunglasses, and a smile! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

St. Pete Offshore Experience

100% (5)
32 ft 1 - 6 People From $770
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Mixed Bag Trip in Key West

Join Captain Brad on an exciting fishing adventure in Key West, Florida. Captain Brad is extremely friendly and courteous, and wants to help you reel in your personal best! On these 4, 6, and 8-hour adventures, Captain Brad will help you catch a variety of species, including Mahi Mahi / Dorado, Black Grouper, Goliath Grouper, Red Grouper, King Mackerel / Kingfish, Sailfish, Red Snapper (depending on the season), Yellowtail Snapper, and Wahoo. You’ll be fishing aboard Capt. Brad’s 43-foot sportfisher which is equipped with a large fishing cockpit, a functioning Tuna Tower, and an extra-large live well capacity. On this trip, Captain Brad emphasizes light tackle but is more than happy to accommodate for live bait slow trolling, reef & wreck, dead bait trolling, kite fishing, and blue water fly fishing. Captain Brad will provide Penn, Shimano, and Daiwa rods, reels, tackle, and lures. They will also provide live bait, drinks, fly fishing equipment, and fish cleaning/filleting at no extra cost. A first mate will be on board to help you at all times. Make sure you bring a hat, sunscreen, and some food/snacks for the day! The crew is excited to give you a great fishing trip – it doesn’t matter if you’ve fished a hundred times or whether this is your first time taking the family fishing – there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Mixed Bag Trip

100% (3)
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $935
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Fishing Adventure in Key West

Come experience the Florida Keys on this incredible fishing adventure with Captain Justin! The Keys are a world-renowned fishing destination, and there's no better way to enjoy all that they have to offer than a trip aboard his 24' Sailfish. Captain Justin specializes in calm water, light tackle, “good times” fishing. This is ideal for beginner to intermediate anglers who are looking to bend some rods and hear the drag scream. Target species include Snappers, Groupers, Barracuda, and Shark. These will vary by season and weather, but rest assured—Captain Justin will put you on some awesome fish! You'll be fishing aboard his 24' Sailfish center console, a fast and manueverable boat ideal for fishing nearshore areas. Features include an enclosed head (restroom), large live well, freshwater shower/saltwater rinse down, comfortable seating, T-top for shade, and a JL Audio stereo system with subwoofers. The Sailfish has a variable deadrise hull that offers an incredibly smooth and comfortable ride, powered by a Suzuki 300HP engine with a maximum speed of 45mph. This is the only boat in the fleet that is equipped with LED lighting and offers night fishing and star gazing trips. Being a 24' single mono-hulled center console makes for the perfect fishing & diving platform. The Sailfish is the biggest boat in the shallow back country, and is more than capable of getting to the reef and beyond. Captain Justin will provide everything you need for a successful day out on the water, from rods, reels, and tackle, to ice, water, and fishing licenses. All he recommends you bring are any snacks and drinks and he'll take care of the rest! Dont miss this amazing fishing experience. Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Fishing Adventure

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $880
See All Black Grouper Trips

Everything to Know About Booking a black grouper fishing charter

What are the best black grouper fishing charters?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 202 black grouper trips, and the most popular trips are Key West "Flex" Sportfishing guided by John, Key West Fishing Slam guided by Mark, and Key West Offshore Action guided by John.

Our guides are rated a 4.84 out of 5 based on 2639 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly black grouper guides / fishing lessons? Check out our beginner and family friendly black grouper guides.

What types of black grouper fishing charters are common?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for black grouper as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most common fishing techniques are bottom fishing, trolling, and heavy tackle fishing but live bait fishing and light tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much do black grouper fishing charters cost?

for black grouper prices can range anywhere from about $700 to $4,010, but the average price for a half day trip for black grouper is $1,163. The average price for a full day trip for black grouper is $2,390.

What month is best for black grouper fishing?

The most popular season for black grouper fishing is spring, and most anglers book their trips 33 days in advance.

Do I need a fishing license for black grouper and what are the bag limits for black grouper?

See here for more information on black grouper fishing licenses, black grouper bag limits, and fishing season regulations for black grouper. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right black grouper rules and regulations.

What is a Black Grouper?

Black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci), also known as black or marbled rockfish, is a marine member of the grouper subfamily. It is often confused with the gag, misty, and Warsaw grouper. They are the largest keep-able member of the groupers, and are known for their strength and fast reflexes, giving them the nickname the “freight train”

They have a meaty, oblong body, with spiny dorsal and anal fins that have dark blue or black borders. They range from olive to gray in coloration and have dark, brassy spots on their head and sides. Their tiny eyes sit on a large, blocky head, with their lower jaw extending out.

Black grouper are protogynous hermaphrodites, which means that they are all born female. Once they reach the size and age of sexual maturity, at around ten years, some will turn into males for reproduction purposes.

How big do Black Grouper get?

Some rumors say black grouper can grow to over 50 inches long, and over 170 pounds, but the average catch is usually only a little over two feet in length, and between five to 20 pounds.

What's the biggest Black Grouper ever caught?

According to the IGFA, the world record for black grouper is 124 pounds. This monster was pulled out of the Gulf of Mexico near Texas, on January 11th, 2003 by Tim Oestreich II.

There are reports of a man named Alex Newman, who caught a black grouper weighing 124.18 pounds near Fort Myers, during a charity fishing tournament. However, it was not recognized by the IGFA.

Where is the best place to catch Black Grouper?

Black grouper can only be found in the western Atlantic Ocean. Juveniles can be found as far north as Massachusetts, and as far south as Brazil. The best places to catch adults are in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and near the Bahamas.

No matter where you go, black grouper will tend to gather near offshore wrecks and reefs, coming into shallower water between 30 and 120 feet deep during spawning, and 120 and 250 feet year-round.

When should I catch Black Grouper?

The best chance you will have at catching a black grouper is between May and August. This is when they come into shallower waters to spawn. Having them congregate in bigger groups, and lower water levels will help you to target and catch them.

However, the big trophy black grouper tend to stay in deeper water. Heading towards water 120-250 feet deep in the spring and winter will be the ticket, especially during a cold front, which is when they become their most active and hungry.

How do you catch Black Grouper?

Grouper are well known for their impressive strength. This makes it important to come prepared with some heavy-duty gear. A reel that can withstand a minimum of 20 pounds of drag, an 80-pound braided line, or 100-pound leader is necessary.

When it comes to bait, grouper aren’t very picky. Their biggest preference is the smellier, the better. Some options include baitfish like speedo mackerel, tinker mackerel, and yellowtail snapper, alive or dead. Keep in mind that persistent chumming, as well as keeping the depth of the hook in the bait shallow, can make all the difference.

Once you have prepared your bait, drop it right to the bottom where grouper like to hide among the coral ledges, rocks, and wrecks. Then get ready, as grouper are known to suck their food in whole. As soon as you feel that tug, get ready for a fight.

It is important to muscle up these tough old fish as quickly as possible. Allowing for slack, or time for them to swim off only gives them the means to get away into their hidey-hole among the sharp rocks and corals. The longer it takes, the more you’re increasing the odds of a cut line.

Are Black Grouper good to eat? What are the best Black Grouper recipes?

Black grouper is highly revered as one of the best fish to eat out of the ocean. It can be described as a mix of bass and halibut in taste. The meat is firm, with large flakes, and is very juicy.

There are many ways to prepare and serve grouper, for example in a sandwich, or served as the main with greens, potatoes, and hollandaise sauce. However, the resounding winner is to serve black grouper with lobster and shrimp. It pairs well due to the grouper’s natural diet of shellfish.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic 4 hour charter, Captain James was a blast and he knew where the fish were! Will book again, thanks for a great time.

    Ted M. with James G. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Spencer picked us up as scheduled. Boat was extremely clean and well prepared. We were fishing for tarpon and had a wonderful time. Hooked into multiple fish and had one giant. Spencer was amazing overall and would absolutely do it again. Couldn’t recommend him more.

    Patrick H. with Spencer C. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great day on the water. Caught a variety of fish, some bigger some smaller. Captain Jason proved to be a real people person, in firm control of his craft. Great conversationalist. Definitely would go out with him again.

    John U. with Jason C. of Key Largo, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip caught plenty of fish and had a wonderful time with the crew

    Chad F. with Jerry W. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Frank maintained contact up to the day of the Charter. Arrived on time and well prepared. He was knowledgeable of the area and was a great experience. We caught tuna, wahoo, barracuda, red hind grouper, yellow jack, and trumpet fish. Definitely recommend Frank.

    Stephen S. with Frank A. of Rincon, Rincón

  • ★★★★★
    Joshua was great! We had several young people fishing, and he was very patient with and attentive to them. We caught redfish, speckled trout, and Spanish mackerel and had a great time. Highly recommend him!

    Thomas R. with Joshua C. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    My husband and son had nothing but great things to say about their trip! “Best trip ever” per my son. They were able to catch a 40+ lb grouper! They loved every minute and said Spencer was super knowledgeable! Worth every penny for the experience!

    Michelle P. with Spencer C. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Good trip; Dustin did great in conditions that were not ideal!!

    Michael W. with Dustin K. of Panama City Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a fantastic trip with Captain John in July of 2023. Went for a morning trip on our honeymoon, caught tons of fish, had a lot of fun. John and his first mate were very competent, personable, and provided an excellent experience. The boat was well outfitted, John knew several spots with lots of fish, and gave us more time than we'd paid for. Great experience, will absolutely book again next time we're in the keys.

    Clare D. with John G. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent service! Will definitely use again. Very knowledgeable about the area and put us in the fish. Loved every minute of it and highly recommended to anyone who wants to go fishing!

    Jonathan L. with Brandon S. of Summerland Key, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great time

    Leo M. with Antonio E. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    I have been fishing the keys for 10 years but learned a ton fishing with Captain Troy and first mate James. We caught a 2 man limit of nice sized yellow tail in 1.5 h. Very friendly folks made for a great day ! Highly recommend!

    Thomas J. with Troy W. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    5 stars for everything! Great Captain and First Mate! Caught a bunch of fish. My 14 year old caught an 8ft sailfish.

    Charles F. with Rudy N. of Riviera Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Chris and Daniel were awesome. Caught a lot of fish and had a lot of fun. Provided rods and a variety of bait. Went on the 6 hour trip and it was plenty. If you want bigger fish then maybe go for the 8 hour

    Alex V. with Chris S. of Gulfport, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent trip with John. Good guys, on fish all day and had a great time. Definitely would book again!

    Kevin V. with John G. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great fishing trip, memorable experience, would refer John and partner to anyone interested charting fishing trip in KeyWest!

    Rob R. with John G. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a blast fishing with Captain Troy and his crew! They did everything possible to provide us an exciting adventure during our vacation. We caught a variety of fish and enjoyed grilling them up that evening. We highly recommend Captain Troy for your Florida Keys fishing adventure.

    Patrick G. with Troy W. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great time! Very nice guy, helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Would definitely go out again.

    Jeff C. with Daniel P. of Key Largo, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a fantastic time with captain Brad. We tried different techniques and despite being a rough choppy day we still have out with a lot of fish. We all enjoyed it and highly recommend him to anyone!

    Shai K. with Brad S. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great captain and first mate.

    Robert D. with Eric R. of Miami Beach, Florida

What's biting?

View Black Grouper Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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