Florida · Keys
RED GROUPER FISHING
IN KEY LARGO
Key Largo is a solid destination for red grouper fishing, with good fishing in January, February, March, April. Book a charter and target red grouper with local experts.
About Red Grouper Fishing in Key Largo
A prized bottom fish found on reefs and hard bottom. Sweet, mild flesh makes it a favorite.
Key Largo is a solid destination for red grouper fishing, offering good fishing in January, February, March, April. The best months to target red grouper here are January, February, March, April.
Scientific name: Epinephelus morio
Red Grouper Seasonal Calendar — Key Largo
Month-by-month availability for red grouper in Key Largo, FL.
How to Catch Red Grouper in Key Largo
Techniques & Bait
Consult your local charter captain for the most effective baits and techniques in the area.
Recommended Tackle
Your captain will provide all tackle and gear suited to the target species and local conditions.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Key Largo
Top spots where local captains target red grouper and other nearshore species.
Molasses Reef
Molasses Reef is the most popular reef in the Key Largo section of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, sitting in 10-40 feet of crystal-clear water. Yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, hogfish, and barracuda patrol the reef's coral heads and spur-and-groove formations. While some areas are no-take zones, the surrounding permitted fishing zones produce exceptional catches.
French Reef
French Reef lies approximately 5 miles offshore of Key Largo in 25-40 feet of water, known for its dramatic coral caves and swim-throughs that harbor yellowtail snapper, grouper, and large barracuda. The reef's complex structure creates ambush points for predator species and aggregation areas for schooling fish. Drift fishing with live chum is the preferred technique for yellowtail here.
Elbow Reef
Elbow Reef sits at the northern end of the Key Largo reef tract in 12-30 feet of water, named for the bend in the reef line. The area features scattered wrecks including the City of Washington, which attract yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, and grouper to the surrounding structure. The reef's shallower depth makes it accessible in a variety of sea conditions.
Carysfort Reef
Carysfort Reef is the northernmost major reef in the Florida Keys, marked by a historic lighthouse in 20-70 feet of water. The reef's outer edge drops into deeper water where mutton snapper, black grouper, and cobia cruise the reef wall. Carysfort's proximity to the Gulf Stream brings warm, clear water and occasional pelagic visitors including sailfish and mahi-mahi.
Other Species in Key Largo
More fish you can target while visiting Key Largo.
Red Grouper Fishing in Key Largo — FAQ
Red Grouper fishing in Key Largo is productive during January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Red Grouper fishing charters in Key Largo are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Consult your local charter captain for the most effective baits and techniques in the area.
No — when you book a charter in Key Largo, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Red Grouper regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Red Grouper in Key Largo, you may also catch Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Tarpon, Sailfish, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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