Speckled Hind Fishing

A striking and highly prized member of the Grouper (Serranidae) family,  Speckled Hind (Epinephelus drummondhayi) are closely related to species like Yellowedge Grouper and Snowy Grouper. Easily recognized by their deep reddish-brown bodies covered in small white or bluish spots, these are deep-water species admired for their rarity, power, and excellent table quality.

Though historically targeted for their delicious meat, Speckled Hind have become a species of conservation concern due to overfishing and their slow growth rate. As such, they're protected or tightly regulated in many regions, and catching one is now a rare and exciting experience for deep-drop anglers.

How big?

Speckled Hind are large, even for deepwater Grouper standards. Most individuals range from 25–40 inches in length and weigh between 20 and 55 pounds. However, some specimens have been recorded at over 65 pounds! Their robust build, large head, and powerful jaws make them formidable predators and challenging catches.

Distribution

As with their nearest cousins, Speckled Hind are found in the western Atlantic Ocean, primarily in deep waters off the southeastern US, including the Gulf of Mexico/America, the Florida Keys, and parts of the Caribbean. They inhabit depths ranging from 200–1,300 feet, favoring rocky bottoms, ledges, and steep underwater slopes. They're solitary and territorial, usually found alone rather than in schools.

How to Catch

Catching a Speckled Hind requires deep-drop fishing gear and patience. Use electric or heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with braided lines to reach the deep structures where these fish live. Large circle hooks baited with squid, cut bonito, or live bait fish are the most effective.

Because they inhabit deep, rugged terrain, anglers need strong tackle and high-drag settings to keep the fish from retreating into structure. That being said, these Groupers are usually caught incidentally while targeting species like Yellowedge or Snowy Grouper.

Good to eat?

Yes! Speckled Hind is considered one of the best-tasting Groupers, with dense, flaky white flesh and a rich, mild flavor. However, due to their vulnerability to overfishing and low reproductive rates, they're subject to strict protections in many areas, including harvest bans and catch-and-release mandates.