Scamp Grouper
Mycteroperca phenax
FR Mérou scamp · ES Mero scamp · PT Garoupa-scamp
Also known as: ScampAbadejoBadèche GalopinMero scampMérou scampGaroupa-scamp
Reef/KelpBoat
GamefishReef
Score
—
Prime time
Year-round; daylight structure fishing
Depth
25–150m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jul–SepGood Jun–Nov
Depth range
25–150mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Vertical / shore jigging60%
Preferred seabed
Rock
Findr bio
Dawn/dusk deep reef resident. Livebaits or cut fish with a moving tide — I'm in...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Wreck reef
Recommended baits
Fish baitsSquid
Diet
Small fishOctopusCrabShrimp
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingJigging
Gear
Best times
DawnDusk
Shy reef assassin — I ambush from carved coral alcoves.
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; daylight structure fishing
Tide game
Moderate; fish structure harder on moving current
What they're into
Crab, shrimp, squid strips near structure
Temperature vibe
Prefers 14–22°C
Fave weather
Moderate seas workable
Fun fact about me
Shy reef assassin — I ambush from carved coral alcoves.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Gulf federal waters closed to harvest Feb–Jun (spawning closure) — check NOAA/state rules for current seasons and size/bag limitsNOAA Fisheries / Gulf state fisheries agencies
Looking after them
Near Threatened