Bobby Froyen of Lake Worth, Florida caught this beautiful 12 pound Red Grouper while fishing aboard the Lady K this past Friday. Mr. Froyen was fishing the bottom with a sardine attached to a 5/0 circle hook and using 40 pound test leader. The fish was taken from 200 feet of water where the Lady K was positioned by Captain Allan so anglers could enjoy bottom fishing for vermillion snapper. Great catch Bobby!
Red Grouper between the ages of 1 to 6 years old typically occupy the nearshore reefs while the juveniles join fish over 6 years of age offshore over hard bottom. They are common to 15 pounds and the Florida state record is 39 pounds 8 ounces. Red Grouper prefer a water temperature between 66 and 77 degrees F. They feed on squid, fish and crustaceans such as crabs, shrimp and lobster. Red grouper must be 20″ to keep and start off life as females, changing sex as they mature. An excellent food fish sporting firm white meat with a very mild flavor.
