Grouper is one of the most well-known fish in the Florida Keys. They are both fun to catch and delicious to eat.
Although they are fun to catch that doesn’t mean they are easy to catch. Anglers travel to the Florida keys from all over the world hoping to land that large Grouper. They all have their own self claimed secret weapons to lower out these fish. Groupers are mostly found in deeper water offshore and will often hide among the rocks. This presents a couple challenges for the fishermen. Not only do they have to lower the grouper out of that rock hole but the fish will often return to the rocks once hooked which can easily break the line.
Once caught and cleaned Grouper can be cooked many ways and are considered by many to be a delicacy. You will find this fish pan-seared, baked or stuffed in a fine dining restaurant paired with a nice bottle of wine. It can also be found in a local pub or tavern served blackened or fried for fish & chips or a grouper sandwich. Let’s not forget a grouper fish taco served at a side of the road food cart which is my favorite way.
There are many different species of grouper. The ones most often found in the Florida Keys are black grouper, red grouper, gag grouper and the goliath grouper which is also known as a jewfish. The black, red and gag grouper will range anywhere from 10 to over 100 pounds. The goliath grouper have been known to grow up to over 600 pounds. Beware though, the goliath grouper are protected by law and illegal to harvest. I know it is very tempting to keep that 300+ pound fish if you catch it but the law is very strict on that and you will be prosecuted. Catch and release is the way to go with a goliath grouper.
What are you waiting for? Come on down to the Florida Keys, catch some grouper and cook up a feast. If you spend the day on the water fishing but strike out, no problem, we have hundreds of great restaurants with grouper on the menu. As long as you’re here, give me a call at 305-731-0501 and I’ll show you some great homes for sale.
Gary McAdams, PA
Realtor and Notary Public
Barbara Anderson Realty
Key West, Florida
