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Gag Grouper Fishing Charters

Check real-time availability on 462 gag grouper fishing trips. Online booking | 4.91 / 5 stars | Guides from $675

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Recently Booked Gag Grouper Fishing Charters

Fishing in Clearwater

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

100% (6)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $825
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Half Day Trip - 44' Custom

100% (17)
44 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,485
Fishing in Islamorada

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Ocean Thrills With Captain Don

100% (12)
28 ft 1 - 4 People From $770
Fishing in Clearwater

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Offshore Fishing

100% (7)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $825
Fishing in Daytona Beach

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Daytona Beach

Ledges And Reef Run

100% (7)
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $770
Fishing in Clearwater

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Crushing Clearwater Offshore

100% (5)
34 ft 1 - 6 People From $968

Top Cities

“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 Gag Grouper Fishing Charters

Fishing in Fort Myers Beach
Fishing in Fort Myers Beach
Fishing in Fort Myers Beach
trip description for Back Bay Trip – 27’ Carolina in Fort Myers Beach

Captain Rich runs affordable back bay, inshore, and nearshore private fishing charters located on Fort Myers Beach, Florida. His operation is family-owned and operated by the native Irishman, himself, Capt Rich! His passion for fishing grew stronger than ever when he moved to Florida and began fishing the Gulf of Mexico. With over 20 years of knowledge and experience on Fort Myers Beach, Capt Rich set out to pursue his dream in sharing a love of fishing with others. Captain Rich prides himself on running fun charters for all ages as he offers a variety of fishing trips for four, six, and eight hour trips targeting Redfish, Snapper, Snook, Trout, Grouper, Shark and more! On this Fort Myers Beach Back Bay Fishing Charters, Captain Rich will show you how to hook into Redfish, Sheepshead, Snapper, Snook, Trout, Shark, and more! Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you also come across dolphins, manatees, manta rays, turtles, native waterbirds, and other exotic wildlife as you fish the mangroves of Southwest Florida. All charters are tailored for private parties so let Captain Rich know what species your looking to chase, and he will work to make your dreams a reality! ​ Captain Rich will provide all the poles, bait, and fun! All he asks is that you bring along whatever food and beverages you wish, as well as coolers and ice if you need them. In Fort Myers, FL, it is very important to protect your skin. We encourage all passengers to pack hats, sunglasses, and sun screen (SPF 50+). Read More

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Myers Beach

Back Bay Trip – 27’ Carolina

100% (8)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $495
Fishing in Marathon
Fishing in Marathon
Fishing in Marathon
trip description for Marathon Premier Fishing in Marathon

Come and explore a range of exciting fishing with Captain Brad. Based out of Marathon, FL you’ll have access to several kinds of fishing. Flats, reefs, and wrecks in the close offshore waters are just on your doorstep. The fishing is hot year-round, and Captain Brad carried with him a lifetime’s experience on the waters. On these shorter trips will see you head to the nearshore reefs and wrecks to reel yellowtail, mangrove, and mutton snapper, along with grouper, mackerel, and barracuda. With its beautiful coral reefs, Marathon is directly in the middle of 170 mile long natural reef. You can also motor a little further offshore to troll for some delicious species like Spanish and King Mackerel and maybe even a Blackfin Tuna! Note: for these shorter trips it's usually either-or. Whatever you choose, head out to sea aboard a 40’ D&A Custom sportisher. A versatile vessel, she’s suited to all kinds of fishing. While 4 people can fish at once, there’s plenty of space for 2 more to relax and enjoy the tropical scenery. Bring your own drinks and snacks to put in the captain’s cooler – just also bring an ice box for your catch. Powered by twin 480 HP Cummins engines, and with the onboard fishfinder and GPS, you’ll hit the sweet spots right away. The Florida Keys are a beautiful location to catch some of the finest fish in the world, so get out there with Captain Brad for the trip of a lifetime! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Marathon

Marathon Premier Fishing

100% (8)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,045
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West "Flex" Sportfishing in Key West

Have you ever wanted to catch that once-in-a-lifetime fish, capture that awe-inspiring sunset, or enjoy an unforgettable day with your family on the water? With Captain John, you can do just that. Spend your half, 3/4, full or extended day trip exploring the beautiful flats around Key West as you chase down tarpon, permit, barracuda, sharks, snappers and more. This back country/flats charter is a popular choice for both longtime anglers and families because of its wide range of fishing opportunities. Hop on the 24' Yellowtail and the highly-rated Captain John will take you where you need to be. Your adventure will begin at the dock as Captain John explains what you can expect on your trip. No detail will be left out or question unanswered in order to make your trip exciting, educational, and memorable. Be sure to bring any beverages or snacks you might need, and Captain John will provide everything else. Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West "Flex" Sportfishing

100% (6)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $715
Fishing in Freeport
Fishing in Freeport
Fishing in Freeport
trip description for Freeport Run - 38' Luhrs in Freeport

Climb aboard the one-of-a-kind sport fisher for a luxury seafaring experience with Captain JT and Danny. At 38 feet long and almost 14 feet wide, the vessel offers lots of shaded space, two AC systems, satellite TV and music, and a legendary hull design. Needless to say, you will be much more comfortable than on most other boats. It’s equipped with state-of-the-art electronics, safety equipment including a satellite phone, epirb, and 8 man life raft. Two captains run trips often at the same time, Danny is the fishing expert, and JT is a diving expert. The boat is powered by twin 420 horsepower Yanmar diesel engines that are meticulously maintained by the Captains. For fishing, the equipment includes premium bottom fishing rods and reels, Penn international bent butt trolling rod and reels, and two heavy-duty electric reels for deep dropping in 350 + feet. The navigation system has more than 3000 way points saved over the years known to hold fish. The tackle on board will accommodate all types of possible offshore fishing. Half-Day Charters targets kingfish and blacktip sharks. 10 Hour Charters targets reef fish like snappers and grouper. Surface fishing for kingfish and ling. 12 Hour Charter adds fishing deeper wrecks and rigs for amberjack, grouper, shark, golden tile, and barrel fish as well as trolling for mahi, wahoo, and blackfin tuna. 14 Hour trips allow for more time spent over deep water wrecks and rigs and usually correlate with more and larger fish! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Freeport

Freeport Run - 38' Luhrs

NEW
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,442
Fishing in Tavernier
Fishing in Tavernier
Fishing in Tavernier
trip description for Tavernier Backcountry Fishing in Tavernier

Head out with Captain Ben for an action-packed day of fishing in the Tavernier backcountry! Tavernier provides quick access to the productive Florida Key waters home to reefs and shipwrecks covered in brilliant bright colors of the spectrum, backcountry shallow water flats with fish made for sight fishing, gorgeous deep water Pelagics that love to feed on the surface, and much more! On this 4 to 8-hour trip, Captain Ben will take you into the beautiful Tavernier backcountry flats where you'll be fly fishing for sought-after fish including Barracuda, Snapper, Florida Pompano, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Snook, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, Tripletail, and even some elusive Bonefish and Permit. With Captain Ben, you can either use classic light tackle, or if you're looking for a challenge you can try your hand at sight-casting with a fly rod. Whatever your ideal trip is, Captain Ben will do what he can to make it happen! You'll be fishing aboard an 18' Action Craft skiff boat with capacity for 3 guests. Powered by a 115 HP Suzuki engine, this boat will have no problem taking you from one hotspot to another in the backcountry waters! She comes equipped with GPS, Fishfinder, Snorkeling Equipment, a Live Bait Well, Tuna Tubes, and an Ice Box to store your catches. Captain Ben will provide all rods, reels, tackle and fishing licenses. All you need to bring is a Florida saltwater fishing license, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and any food or drinks you might need. Come aboard with Captain Ben and experience the awesome fishing the Keys have to offer! Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Tavernier

Tavernier Backcountry Fishing

100% (7)
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $495
Fishing in Pensacola
Fishing in Pensacola
Fishing in Pensacola
trip description for Nearshore Fishing Combo in Pensacola

Hop on board with Captain Jacob and prepare for an action-packed day of offshore fishing! Whether you choose the extended, 3/4 day or full day trip, Captain Jacob will put you on some picture worthy fish in offshore Florida. On this 6 to 12-hour trip, Captain Jacob will take you nearshore or offshore Pensacola where you'll be fishing for a selection of fish including Amberjack, Gag Grouper, King Mackerel, Lane Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Mangrove Snapper, and Red Snapper. Depending on the fish you can choose from a variety of techniques and this boat is equipped with light tackle, heavy tackle, bottom fishing and deep dropping. Let Captain Jacob know what you want to fish and he'll get you set with the location and technique! On this trip you'll be aboard a 24’ Robalo center console with a capacity for six people. Powered by twin Yamaha engines for a combined 300 HP, this vessel will no doubt get you where you need to be. It comes with all the necessary navigational instruments and even has a bathroom on board. Captain Jacob will even clean your fish for no extra cost! Captain Jacob will provide all rods, reels, and tackle. All you need is sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and weather-appropriate clothing. These family-friendly trips can host up to 6 people, so make sure you bring some good company! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Pensacola

Nearshore Fishing Combo

100% (10)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,155
See All Gag Grouper Trips

Everything to Know About Booking a gag grouper fishing charter

What are the best gag grouper fishing charters?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 462 gag grouper trips, and the most popular trips are Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip guided by Gage, Half Day Trip - 44' Custom guided by Harold, and Ocean Thrills with Captain Don guided by Don.

Our guides are rated a 4.91 out of 5 based on 2642 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 gag grouper guides / fishing lessons? Check out our beginner and family friendly gag grouper guides.

What types of gag grouper fishing charters are common?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for gag 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 gag grouper fishing charters cost?

for gag grouper prices can range anywhere from about $675 to $4,300, but the average price for a half day trip for gag grouper is $1,105. The average price for a full day trip for gag grouper is $2,468.

What month is best for gag grouper fishing?

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

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

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

What is a Gag Grouper?

Gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis), also known as velvet rockfish or charcoal belly, are a member of the grouper family. They have a mottled-gray coloring with spots ranging from worm-like, boxy, or even “kiss-shaped” covering their stocky body and large head.

They are often confused with other members of their family, especially the black grouper. They can be most easily distinguished by their coloring, as well as the shape of their preopercle. The preopercle is the middle bone of the gill cover, which with gag groupers are noticeably notched with a very lobed appearance, whereas black groupers have a very rounded preopercle with no lobe below it.

Also, like many of their grouper family, they will use their swim bladder to make low grumbling sounds when they feel threatened.

How big do Gag Grouper get?

Over their average lifespan of 16 years, gag groupers can grow up to over four feet and weigh over 50 pounds. However, the average male grouper will reach maturity at eight years old at around 39 inches, and the average female will mature at age five to six, and at about 26 to 30 inches long.

Males over the age of the weight of 30 pounds are called black bellies, and are considered trophy catches.

What's the biggest Gag Grouper ever caught?

The world record gag grouper, according to the IGFA, weighed in at a whopping 80 pounds and six ounces. Caught in Destin on October 14th, 1993 by Bill Smith.

Smith was using mingo snapper as bait, and after a 20 minute fight, was able to wrangle in the mammoth grouper. He then took it to the Marina Point Destin, where they were able to officially weigh it in for the record.

Where is the best place to catch Gag Grouper?

Gag grouper can be found in the Western Atlantic Ocean. The highest north they are found is in Bermuda, North Carolina, and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, and sometimes juveniles will be found as far north as Massachusetts. Further south they can be found in Brazil.

They can be found either solitary or in groups of 5 to 50 fish in depths from 30 to almost 150 feet, often among oil rigs and reefs. They also will migrate in late winter to offshore spawning grounds as low as 230 feet.

When should I catch Gag Grouper?

Cooler weather brings gag grouper closer to shore, where they will spawn from January to March on the coasts of the Atlantic and within the Gulf. October through December will be a good time to catch them migrating inwards, and throughout the summer you will need to head to some deeper waters.

However, depending on the area you head towards, you will need to be wary of season closures. In Atlantic waters, the season is closed from January 1st to April 30th. In the Gulf (except for a select few states and counties), they are open from July 1st until December 2nd.

How do you catch Gag Grouper?

Of all methods, jigging is far and away the most effective way to catch gag grouper. Use depth sounders to find rocky outcrops and irregular bottoms where gags gather, and then anchor nearby to fish, or begin trolling. Recommended baits are live pinfish, frozen herring, squid, scad, porgies, sardines, smaller snapper, crabs, shrimp or grunts, the smellier the better.

Remember that gag grouper are strong, and have an instinct to bite and drag their prey into hiding areas within rocks and coral, making your line very susceptible to being cut. It is crucial to get the fish up off the ground as quickly as possible.

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

Gag groupers are an excellent fish to eat, often one of the favored groupers. They have a firm white flesh, with very little red. Many say that filleting and baking the grouper is the best preparation, and the less ingredients the better. Just some simple olive oil, lime, parsley, salt and pepper is recommended.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Hey there Tim was great! Lillie was a great 1st mate! Caught some fish, always good. But also got a great trip out on the water! Dolphins were out and about; great to be out in God’s country!

    Charles M. with Tim H. of Englewood, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely Fantastic!! Captain Tim was a great Guide!!! Put us right on the fish and helped every step of the way. We caught so many we were getting exhausted just reeling them in!! Went past Fort Sumter and saw it from a totally new perspective. Great guy, great boat and fantastic experience! Marshview Fishing Charters Rock!!!

    Dan C. with Tim M. of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Mike was great! We had a blast and enjoyed learning about local fish and the seas. Would highly reccomend his fishing trips to anyone! He gave us options of different types of fishing too which was super neat.

    Myrranda K. with Mike C. of Fort Myers Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We have been deep sea fishing 6 or 7 times and by far this has been our best experience so far! Captain Zach and First Mate Jason with No Alibi had us on fish from the word go and we kept catching all day throughout our 12 hour trip!

    Joshua C. with Zachary W. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely amazing fishing experience! From catching a variety of big fish to catching sharks and seeing dolphins, it was the complete package. Highly recommend. The guides answered all our questions and talked to us like we’ve been friends for years. 100% would go on this trip again.

    Karlee G. with Heather H. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had an absolute blast with Captain Chris! He was so nice and his passion and love for fishing made my bachelorette trip worthwhile! Our crew got to catch some great mackerel, yellowtail snapper and mutton snapper, plus more! Being able to celebrate my love for fishing and send off in the Keys with my gfs and Chris was the best! He got me on a huge tarpon hook up that I’ll absolutely never forget. Highly highly recommend this trip and we’ll certainly be back!!!

    Elizabeth G. with Chris P. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    This trip was amazing! Captain Chris was the besttttttt. He helped us catch some really cool fish and even spent extra time with us to make sure the bride-to-be had a chance to catch the specific fish she wanted! He is so nice and even went out of the way to cut up our fish the best way, since he went to culinary school, to get us the most meat! He was so good, we can’t recommend him more!

    Elizabeth G. with Chris P. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    This trip was amazing! Captain Chris was the besttttttt. He helped us catch some really cool fish and even spent extra time with us to make sure the bride-to-be had a chance to catch the specific fish she wanted! He is so nice and even went out of the way to cut up our fish the best way, since he went to culinary school, to get us the most meat! He was so good, we can’t recommend him more!

    Elizabeth G. with Chris P. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    This trip was amazing! Captain Chris was the besttttttt. He helped us catch some really cool fish and even spent extra time with us to make sure the bride-to-be had a chance to catch the specific fish she wanted! He is so nice and even went out of the way to cut up our fish the best way, since he went to culinary school, to get us the most meat! He was so good, we can’t recommend him more!

    Elizabeth G. with Chris P. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome amazing ! Great guides we caught a LOT more of fish! Highly recommend!

    Carolyn L. with Tj D. of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic service and best Capt. And first mate. Wel all caught over 20 fish a piece. Will highly recommend your charter in the future.

    Foster (. with Brad D. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Has a great time. We all enjoyed

    Clayton S. with Paul H. of Key West, 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

  • ★★★★★
    All of us had a blast. Enjoyed every minute of it. The kids caught a nice size keeper each. Definitely will come back again.

    Sidney B. with Jordan N. of Fort Walton Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip! DJ and Milan did a great job getting us into the fish! Caught a really nice blue fish. Great experience! Thank you!

    Rex G. with Heather H. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great half day out on the water with Hank. Very friendly and done a good job of keeping us on the fish.

    Brian W. with Hank V. of St. Petersburg, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Five of us did the 8 hour trolling and bottom fishing. It was an amazing experience from start to finish and we caught a barrel of fish including vermilion snapper, triggerfish, grouper and an Atlantic bluefish. We caught and released several out of season fish as well. Captian Kyle and Mate Danny are super friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and made the trip an outstanding one. We were all first timers and they made us look and feel like seasoned pros.

    Michael E. with Kyle L. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great time, good fishing

    Noah M. with Nick S. of Port Orange, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Fishing with Captain Greg was great fun. Who knew redfish got that big! Thanks for the memories!

    Kay T. with Greg G. of Panama City, Florida

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