Red Grouper
Epinephelus morio
FR Mérou rouge · ES Mero rojo · PT Garoupa-vermelha
Also known as: Brown GrouperChernaMeroGaroupa-vermelhaMero rojoMérou rougeGaroupa-vermelha
Reef/KelpBoat
GamefishReef
Score
—
Prime time
Year-round within season; daylight structure fishing
Depth
15–150m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Mar–JunGood Jan–Jul
Depth range
15–150mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Vertical / shore jigging60%
Preferred seabed
Rock
Findr bio
Dawn/dusk bottom structure lover. Livebaits preferred but cut fish works too...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Deep waterEstuaryOpen seaWreck reef
Recommended baits
Fish baitsSquidPrawns
Diet
Small fishOctopusShrimpCrab
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingJigging
Gear
Best times
DawnDayDuskMid flood
I excavate pits on reefs, literally landscaping new habitat for neighbors.
Field notes
Where to find them
Gulf of Mexico and southeast Atlantic reefs
Where they hang out
Reef structure, moderate depth
Prime time
Year-round within season; daylight structure fishing
Tide game
Moderate; fish structure harder on moving current
What they're into
Large live/cut baits dropped to structure
Temperature vibe
Prefers 18–26°C
Fave weather
Moderate seas workable for structure fishing
Fun fact about me
I excavate pits on reefs, literally landscaping new habitat for neighbors.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Seasons and quotas — check NOAA/state rulesNOAA Fisheries / Gulf state fisheries agencies
Looking after them
Vulnerable