Gag Grouper
Mycteroperca microlepis
FR Mérou gag · ES Mero gag · PT Garoupa-gag
Also known as: Velvet RockfishCharcoal BellyAguajíBadejoMero gagMérou gagGaroupa-gag
Reef/KelpBoat
GamefishReef
Score
—
Prime time
Year-round; best on clear structure marks
Depth
15–120m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jan–DecGood Mar–Oct
Depth range
15–120mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Vertical / shore jigging60%
Preferred seabed
Rock
Findr bio
Dawn/dusk structure hunter autumn to spring. Love a good live bait — mullet or pinfish seal the deal...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Deep waterOpen seaWreck reef
Recommended baits
Fish baitsSquidCrab
Diet
Small fishSquidCrabShrimp
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingJigging
Gear
Best times
DawnDayDuskMid flood
I’m a sex-changer with seasonal spawning parties; juveniles hide in estuaries.
Field notes
Where to find them
Gulf of Mexico and southeast Atlantic hard bottom, wrecks
Where they hang out
Reef/wreck structure, 20–60 m
Prime time
Year-round; best on clear structure marks
Tide game
Moderate; fish structure harder on moving current
What they're into
Large live/cut baits; eats fish, crustaceans
Temperature vibe
Prefers 18–24°C
Fave weather
Moderate seas workable for structure fishing
Fun fact about me
I’m a sex-changer with seasonal spawning parties; juveniles hide in estuaries.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Seasons and size/bag limits common — check NOAA/state rulesNOAA Fisheries / Gulf state fisheries agencies
Looking after them
Near Threatened