We all see ourselves as David facing Goliath from time to time. It’s the reason that the Bible story is so timeless! But there’s one Goliath out there that anglers don’t shy away from. In fact, Goliath Grouper fishing has many of them flocking to Florida’s famous waters. They don’t have stones or slingshots in their arsenal, however. The heroes of this story wield thick rods and hefty bait fish.
And that monster they’re after? Well, it’s really more of a gentle giant. Fearful of no one and ravenous for everything, Goliath Grouper don’t make for the most formidable opponents. Still, they’re an unforgettable catch and more than worthy of your bucket list.
So, brace yourself. These legends are known to break a few sticks – and a few backs! Let’s see what all the fuss is about…
How to Identify Goliath Grouper
The name Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara) is no exaggeration. Known to top 8 feet and 800 pounds, these are the largest Grouper species in the Atlantic – and one of the largest bony fish, period. While there may be such a monster in the cards for you, it’s more common to land a Goliath between 75–100 pounds, while really lucky anglers might catch a lunker as big as 200–300 pounds. Trust us, that’s plenty!
Goliath Grouper are common catches along Florida’s central Gulf Coast and from the Keys. While they’re less common outside of that range, they can inhabit waters as far south as Brazil and up north to Maine. Snorkelers in the Bahamas and Caribbean often encounter Goliath Grouper but fishing for them there isn’t as popular.
In the eastern Atlantic, Goliath Grouper live off the coast of Africa, from the Congo River to Senegal. Eastern Pacific waters also hold a separate strain of these fish, from the Gulf of California to Peru.
Despite their size, Goliaths frequently feed in shallow water. This allows anglers to catch them close to shore, where you’ll often find them hiding around reefs and wrecks.
Due to their excellent food value and sluggish nature, Goliath Grouper have been severely overfished. This landed them on the list of endangered species in 1990. Though they’ve since been downgraded to a “species of concern,” they’re still protected by strict regulations throughout the Gulf of Mexico, south Atlantic states, and the Caribbean.
In almost all of these places, fishing for Goliath Grouper is catch–and-release only. This means recreational anglers are welcome to target them but you must always release your catch as quickly as possible. To avoid harming the fish, do not take large specimens out of the water.
Florida reopened the Goliath Grouper harvest for the first time in 2023. Anglers can apply for a lottery to keep one Goliath Grouper during the open season, which runs from March 1–May 31. Aside from this, the ban on harvesting Goliath Grouper is still in effect throughout the US South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean.
How to Recognize Goliath vs. Other Species
You aren’t likely to confuse a full-grown Goliath with any other Grouper. But you’ll catch juveniles often enough and it’s important to identify them correctly so you can let them go.
At first glance, a novice might confuse a small Goliath with a Gag or Black Grouper. But once you learn to recognize their distinct markings, there will be no mistaking them.
Young Goliath Grouper have spotted or mottled heads, while the second half of their bodies are lined with dark, vertical stripes. Their tail fins are another clue because these are rounded whereas most other Grouper have flat tails.
Best Goliath Grouper Fishing Spots
Florida boasts the best Goliath Grouper fishing, particularly on the Gulf coast. Your chances of catching one here are decent no matter where you go, but we’ve handpicked a few spots from Central Florida down to the Keys:
Tampa Bay
Goliath Grouper inhabit Tampa Bay year-round, though many say the best time to fish for them is from May–September. It’s not uncommon to catch Goliaths that range from 100–400 pounds around here. Mind you, those are “average” sized fish! For some real bragging rights, you’ll need to land one that’s at least 500 pounds.
Goliaths are a top target for local fishing charters. There are plenty of guides in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Bradenton. Just beyond the bay, you’ll have your pick of charters in St. Pete Beach, Clearwater, Dunedin, and more.
Remember that you must release any Goliath Grouper you catch in the area. That goes for every spot on our list. The only exception is for permit holders who are fishing during Florida’s Goliath Grouper harvest season.
Punta Gorda & Boca Grande
With a name like Punta Gorda, you better believe some hefty Grouper are in the cards here! This aptly named “fat point” of Florida sees lots of Goliaths, and 500 lb specimens aren’t out of the question. Likewise, Boca Grande across the harbor is known for some of Florida’s best Goliath Grouper fishing – not to mention another coveted giant in these parts, Tarpon.
And don’t overlook Sanibel Island to the south, which can be a great place to launch from if you find yourself staying in Fort Myers.
Naples & Marco Island
Next, we bring you to Naples. You may know this highfalutin area for its upscale shopping, fine dining, and golf courses. But it’s also a top fishing spot – and certainly not a bad place to cast your line for Goliath Grouper!
Just to the south sits Marco Island, which offers a completely different atmosphere. Perched right at the doorstep of the Ten Thousand Islands, you’ll get a taste of the Everglades as you wind your way through backwaters that are rife with game fish – including, of course, Goliath Grouper.
The Everglades
And that brings us to the Everglades themselves. Situated right at the heart of Goliath territory, it should come as no surprise that this maze-like marshland is a hotspot for them. While you might associate Goliath Grouper with wrecks and reefs, mangroves can be just as productive, especially for juvenile fish. Just like every other spot on our list, summer is the prime time to target them here, when the water stays perfectly balmy.
You can book a fishing charter out of Everglades City, Chokoloskee, Homestead, and the upper Keys to explore the Everglades.
Key West
For a tropical vibe, head to Key West. This (and the rest of the Keys) is as close as you can get to fishing the Bahamas without having to pack your passport.
The shallows surrounding Key West are known for their wrecks, reefs, and mangroves where Goliath Grouper very happily make themselves at home. And who can blame them? We’d find it easy to feel at home down here, too. After all, its nickname is “Angler’s Paradise!”
How to Fish for Goliath Grouper
Catching a Goliath Grouper doesn’t require much in the way of technique. As bottom feeders, you can expect to go bottom fishing for them, usually around wrecks or reefs. They aren’t picky eaters or very wary of foreign objects dangling in front of them, so getting one to bite is relatively easy.
One challenge, however, is that they’ll dive under cover once they’re hooked, leaving you with an even tougher battle to wrangle them out. Or, more likely than that, a broken line (if not a broken rod)!
So, when you’re anchoring up by your chosen wreck or reef, it’s important to get just close enough to lure these Groupers out of hiding. Don’t cast too close or else they’ll have the opportunity to duck under cover once you hook them.
One last tip is to give your bait a little movement by bouncing it off the bottom. Remember, these fish aren’t shy, so making some ruckus will pique their curiosity rather than scare them away.
Once you manage to hook a Goliath Grouper, it’s time to tap into your inner “David” and bring on the fighting power. A truly big fish that weighs hundreds of pounds will put you and your gear to the test. Be sure to brace yourself, whether using a harness or by adopting a strong stance that won’t strain your back. Many anglers recommend using a fighting belt, but some prefer not to. It’s your choice, but don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Tips When Handling a Goliath Grouper
When you finally do land that behemoth, remember to:
- Handle with care. You can remove juveniles from the water in order to safely remove your hook, but truly large fish should stay in the water.
- It’s fine to get in the water with your catch for a quick photo and then to release the fish safely. Don’t prolong this process, though.
- Release your catch as swiftly as possible. This will reduce trauma and any harm to the fish so that your Goliath can live to battle another day.
Goliath Grouper Fishing Gear
We’ll start by saying that anyone who doesn’t have experience or proper equipment for targeting fish this large should book a local fishing charter. There are plenty of captains in Florida who specialize in catching Goliath Grouper, and they’ll help you do it right. The cost of a trip with them will undercut the amount of money you’d spend on all the right gear.
With that in mind, many people will tell you there’s no use in targeting Goliath Grouper unless you have some professional-grade heavy tackle at your disposal. We’re not just talking about giant 16–20/0 circle hooks, 200–400 lb test line, and 20′ cable leaders. You’ll need unlimited class rods and 30–80 size reels with the most drag possible – ideally two-speeds. Even that may be just barely enough at the end of the day!
There are plenty of anglers who happen to catch Goliaths on lesser tackle. In fact, some claim your money is wasted on anything fancier than a cheap “broomstick” rod, 100 lb braid, and a 200–400 lb test mono leader. That may be practical money-wise, but we aren’t so sure it will hold up to the prowess of these fish. Call us skeptics, but that requires one very strong imagination or a very talented angler!
No matter whose advice you decide to follow, one detail tends to draw consensus: mono lines are the way to go. That may sound surprising given the size of your target and the fact that you’ll be fishing near structure but, in this case, that stretch you get with monofilament is the only “drag” you have working in your favor. Even when targeting small Goliaths from shore, you should plan to use at least a 100 lb test line.
Goliath Grouper Bait
The best way – and really, the only way – to catch a large Goliath Grouper is using live or dead bait. You’ll find that they’re ready to gobble up just about any smaller fish you plop in front of them. And when we say “smaller,” they’re actually regular-sized fish that happen to be small by comparison!
Common baits for Goliath Grouper include jacks, mullet, false albacore, mackerel, barracuda, catfish, and even stingrays. If it’s legal to chum in your area, get a nice slick going before dropping a live bait fish.
These Groupers also eat shrimp and squid, which can be good baits for smaller Goliaths. You might also have success catching juveniles on jigheads and paddletails.
When to Fish for Goliath Grouper
Central and South Florida are home to Goliath Grouper year-round. Summer is the best time to fish for them, when the water reaches their preferred temperature from June through September. Some say mid-September offers the best fishing, and you might find that the peak season lasts as late as October.
If you’re interested in potentially keeping a Goliath Grouper in Florida, the harvest season is open from March 1–May 31. During this period, anglers who have received a permit can keep one fish that measures 24–36 inches. Goliath Grouper Harvest Permits cost $150 for residents and $500 for non-residents. There’s a lottery for any anglers interested in purchasing a permit, which opens from October 1–15 ahead of the harvest season. If selected, you’ll be automatically charged the cost of the permit.
Goliath Grouper: Living Legends
We won’t say catching Goliath Grouper is easy (just ask your chiropractor and they’ll agree)! But the good news is that these brutes don’t make the sport complicated for anglers. They’re a great target if you prefer to indulge in rod-bending battles rather than a battle of wits.
Needless to say, the experience will be memorable. It may not be a show-down of biblical proportions, but it probably warrants a journal entry later that night. Or at least a major flex on social media.
Have you ever landed a monster Goliath Grouper? What tricks did you use to lure it your way? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!
