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Caught a Red Grouper Inshore in Tampa
Red Grouper Fishing in Tampa
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The Red Grouper belongs to the order Perciformes and family Serranidae. It typically measures between 17 and 35 inches in length, with a weight range from 12 to 25 lbs. Habitat: nearshore, offshore, reef, wreck, ocean floor. - Distinguished by rusty red coloration throughout body. - Features distinctive white spots from head to tail base. - Darker head and upper parts gradually lighten to pinkish belly.
Fishing Charter by Captain Brian Lemelin in December
Meet your Captain Brian Lemelin
- 5 Star rated, veteran owned and operated Tampa Bay
Summary
Captain Brian Lemelin of Optimus Fishing Charters on Wednesday November offers beginner-friendly Tampa Bay fishing charters targeting Red Grouper and Spanish Mackerel. This 4-hour morning fishing charter explores inshore waters up to 10 miles offshore using bottom fishing and drift fishing techniques. Perfect for first-time anglers and experienced fishermen, the charter includes expert instruction, high-quality gear, and comfortable boat experience in productive Tampa Bay waters where structure holds bait and current keeps fish active.
Fishing Charter with Captain Brian – Rates & Booking
Captain Brian of Optimus Fishing Charters on Wednesday November runs beginner-friendly Tampa Bay fishing charters starting at $400 for two guests, with additional anglers at $50 per person. This 4-hour morning trip includes all fishing gear, expert instruction, and covers inshore waters up to 10 miles offshore. Licensed guide with local Tampa Bay experience ensures productive fishing using bottom fishing and drift fishing techniques. Deposits are non-refundable, so book your spot today for consistent action on these productive waters.
Highlights of Beginner-Friendly Tampa Bay Fishing Charter for Redfish and Spanish Mackerel
This Tampa Bay charter targets multiple species including Red Grouper, Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead, Tripletail, and Trout in waters known for holding structure and active current. Captain Brian provides expert guidance for both first-time anglers and experienced fishermen, working different areas throughout the 4-hour trip to maximize fishing success.
The morning departure takes advantage of prime feeding times when fish are most active around Tampa Bay's productive inshore waters. All necessary gear is provided, making this an ideal choice for visitors or locals wanting a hassle-free fishing experience with proven results.
Local Species Insights: Red Grouper
Red Grouper thrive in Tampa Bay's nearshore and offshore waters around reefs, wrecks, and structured bottom areas. These bottom-dwelling fish prefer depths where they can ambush prey, making them perfect targets for the drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques used on this charter. November conditions in Tampa Bay provide excellent opportunities as Red Grouper remain active in the comfortable water temperatures and abundant baitfish populations.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your Tampa Bay fishing adventure includes a comfortable boat equipped for inshore and near-offshore fishing, accommodating up to 6 guests total. Morning trips typically start mid-morning, allowing time to work multiple productive areas using proven techniques. Captain Brian provides all fishing gear, instruction, and local knowledge to ensure both safety and success on Tampa Bay waters.
Fishing in Tampa: Red Grouper
Red Grouper (Epinephelus morio) belongs to the order Perciformes and family Serranidae, easily distinguished by its characteristic rusty red coloration that gives this popular gamefish its common name. These bottom-dwelling predators feature darker heads and upper sections that gradually lighten to pinkish hues on the belly, with distinctive white spots scattered from head to tail base. In Tampa waters this November, Red Grouper provide excellent action for both novice and experienced anglers.
Red Grouper Overview
Red Grouper are prized gamefish found throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic waters, known for their aggressive strikes and excellent table fare. These reef-dwelling fish are ambush predators that use structure and cover to hunt smaller fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods, making them ideal targets for bottom fishing techniques.
Red Grouper Habitat and Distribution
Red Grouper inhabit nearshore and offshore waters around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom areas from shallow coastal waters to depths exceeding 100 feet. Around Tampa Bay, they're commonly found near artificial reefs, natural ledges, and structure where they can establish territories and ambush prey.
Red Grouper Size and Weight
Red Grouper typically range from 17 to 35 inches in length, with weights between 12 and 25 pounds for most recreational catches. Larger specimens can exceed these averages, with some trophy fish reaching weights over 30 pounds in deeper offshore waters.
Red Grouper Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed on small fish, crabs, shrimp, and squid, using their large mouths to inhale prey from hiding spots among rocks and coral. Red Grouper are most active during dawn and dusk feeding periods, though they can be caught throughout the day when using proper techniques and fresh bait.
Red Grouper Spawning Season
Red Grouper spawn from March through July in deeper offshore waters, with peak activity occurring when water temperatures reach optimal ranges. During spawning season, larger fish move to traditional spawning grounds, creating excellent opportunities for anglers targeting trophy specimens.
Red Grouper Fishing Techniques
Bottom fishing with live or cut bait produces consistent results, using circle hooks and sufficient weight to reach bottom structure. Popular baits include pinfish, grunts, sardines, and squid presented near reefs and wrecks. In November, anglers around Tampa find them concentrated near inshore reefs and artificial structure where baitfish congregate.
Red Grouper Is It Good to Eat?
Red Grouper ranks among the finest eating fish in Gulf waters, featuring firm white meat with mild, sweet flavor and excellent texture. The fish is versatile for grilling, baking, or frying, and provides high-quality protein with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and low mercury levels compared to larger pelagic species.
Red Grouper Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Red Grouper?
A: Live pinfish, grunts, and sardines work exceptionally well, along with fresh cut bait like squid strips and chunk mullet. Circle hooks in sizes 6/0 to 8/0 provide good hookup ratios.
Q: Where can I find Red Grouper near Tampa?
A: Red Grouper concentrate around artificial reefs, natural ledges, and structure in 20-60 feet of water throughout Tampa Bay's nearshore and offshore areas, particularly around known fishing spots and wrecks.
Q: Is Red Grouper good to eat?
A: Yes, Red Grouper is considered premium table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor that's excellent grilled, baked, or fried. The fish provides high-quality protein and beneficial nutrients.
Q: When is the best time to catch Red Grouper?
A: Red Grouper bite consistently year-round, with excellent action during fall and winter months when they're concentrated around structure. Dawn and dusk typically produce the most active feeding periods.
