Black Grouper
Mycteroperca bonaci
FR Mérou noir · ES Mero negro · PT Garoupa-negra (Mero-negro)
Also known as: Black RockfishMarbled RockfishChernaBadejo-pretoMero negroMérou noirGaroupa-negra (Mero-negro)
Reef/KelpBoat
GamefishReef
Score
—
Prime time
Year-round; daylight structure fishing
Depth
15–120m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jan–DecGood May–Nov
Depth range
15–120mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Vertical / shore jigging60%
Preferred seabed
Rock
Findr bio
Dawn/dusk on deep reefs and wrecks. Not picky but live bait gets priority...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Wreck reef
Recommended baits
Fish baitsSquid
Diet
Small fishHerringSquidCrab
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingDrifting
Gear
Best times
DawnDusk
Like many groupers, I switch sex mid-life — demographic agility.
Field notes
Where to find them
Warm western Atlantic/Gulf reefs and wrecks
Where they hang out
Reef/wreck structure, moderate to deep
Prime time
Year-round; daylight structure fishing
Tide game
Moderate; fish structure harder on moving current
What they're into
Large live/cut baits dropped tight to structure
Temperature vibe
Prefers 14–24°C
Fave weather
Moderate seas workable for controlled drops
Fun fact about me
Like many groupers, I switch sex mid-life — demographic agility.
Dinner material?
10/10Excellent eating
Play by the rules
Recreational closure Feb 1–Mar 31 in South Atlantic waters beyond 20 fathoms (spawning aggregation) — check NOAA/state rules for current seasons and size/bag limitsNOAA Fisheries / state fisheries agency
Looking after them
Near Threatened