Orange-spotted Grouper

Habitat & layer

Bottom around reefs, estuaries and harbor structure.

Season

More active in the warm season; possible year-round.

Identification

• Robust elongated body, pale brown
• Covered with small orange-red spots
• Large mouth; ambush predator that hides in holes

Common methods

• Bottom fishing
• Live bait fishing
• Lure (soft bait near bottom)

Baits & lures

• Live shrimp
• Baitfish
• Octopus
• Soft lures

Similar species

• Other groupers
• Malabar grouper

Rig

Strong leader and stout hooks; lift away from holes immediately after hook-up.