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How to Catch Red Grouper in the Gulf of Mexico

Inshore + Offshore Fishing Tampa / St. Petersburg, Fl

Watch Video: Catch and Cook Parmesan Crusted Red Grouper

Catch and Cook

Fishing Tips and Tactics

Red Grouper are known known for their fight and flavor, red grouper are a prized catch among both novice and experienced fishermen along the gulf coast. Here’s how we landed a few of these sought-after bottom dwellers.

When to Go:

Spring is the ideal time to target red grouper, especially in waters 200 feet deep or more.

This period offers the best combination of weather and water conditions conducive to grouper fishing.

st petersburg catching red grouper parmesan crusted cook

Where to Head:

Departing from St. Petersburg, Florida, positions anglers within reach of fertile fishing grounds off the state’s west coast.

Areas with rocky bottoms, ledges, and artificial reefs are particularly productive as red grouper prefer these structures for habitat.

Fishing Gear:

Bottom fishing requires specific setups to effectively target red grouper. A sturdy, medium-heavy rod paired with a conventional reel spooled with high-capacity braided or mono but braided mainline is often preferred.

The rig setup should include a heavy-weight to keep the bait near the bottom and a strong circle hook to ensure a secure hookup.

Bait and Fishing Technique:

Live bait such as pinfish, grunts, and sardines are top choices for red grouper. When dropping bait, ensure it’s close to the structure to entice grouper out from their hiding spots. Patience and attention is key; grouper bites can be subtle before the fish attempts to run back to cover.

catch and cook parmesan crusted red grouper steaks

Parmesan Crusted Baked Red Grouper

For those looking to culminate their fishing adventure with a meal, red grouper is excellent when baked with a Parmesan crust, paired with pasta for a delightful home-cooked meal.

Red grouper lends itself well to various recipes, however here is how Captain Shaw prepared his Red Grouper steaks.

Red Grouper Recipe

Prep:10 mins

Cook:30 mins

Total:40 mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

¾ cupJapanese Panko Breadcrumbs
¾ cupParmesan Cheese(finely grated)
3 tablespoonsUnsalted Butter Room Temperature
3 tablespoonsMayonnaise
3 Green Onions(green tops only thinly sliced)
1 teaspoonWorchestershire Sauce
½ teaspoonHot Pepper Sauce(tabasco or other)
1 ½ tablespoonsLemon Juice(freshly squeezed, approx. 1/2 lemon)
add Salt And Pepper
3-4 Gouper Fish Fillets
2 tablespoonsFresh Flat-Leaf(parsely finely chopped

Prepping Red Grouper Fillets

Mixing Parmesan Panko Batter

mixing breading parmesan crusted red grouper

Applying Batter to Grouper Steaks

parmesan crusted red grouper catch and cook

Oven Baking Red Grouper

Protecting the Species

Practice catch and release when out on the water and always adhere to current size and bag limits for your area. Familiarize yourself with local regulations before heading out as it is illegal to target and keep certain fish species due to either season or permits.

Whether you’re fishing with a guide like Captain Martin of Inverted Fishing Charters or setting out on your own, the thrill of landing a red grouper is an unforgettable experience.

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