%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F10492%2Fimages%2Funnamed-3.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Red Grouper Fishing Guide Panama City Beach
Red Grouper Wreck Fishing in Panama City Beach
5.0
2 Reviews
- 5
100% - 4
0% - 30%
- 20%
- 10%
%2F%2Fusers%2F754e4b3a-7a16-4480-a04d-64d316371d1f%2Fimages%2Fred-grouper-panama-city-beach-10199.png&w=1200&q=75)
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 includes nearshore, offshore, reef, wreck, and ocean floor environments. - Distinguished by rusty red coloration with distinctive white spots from head to tail.
Fishing Charter by Captain Will Blizard in August
Meet your Captain Will Blizard
- PCB Fishing Adventures: Explore, Catch, Enjoy!
Summary
Captain Will Blizard of Lets Go Fishing PCB on Thursday July offers private wreck fishing charters targeting red grouper, red snapper, and other Gulf species in Panama City Beach waters. This 5-6 hour guided adventure combines bottom fishing, trolling, and vertical jigging techniques around offshore wrecks and artificial reefs. All gear, tackle, and instruction included for up to 4 anglers of any experience level. Summer conditions provide excellent opportunities for trophy catches, with recent trips producing 31-inch red snapper and quality grouper. Book your wreck fishing charter and experience some of the best offshore fishing Panama City Beach has to offer.
Fishing Charter with Captain Will – Rates & Booking
Captain Will Blizard of Lets Go Fishing PCB on Thursday July provides private wreck fishing charters for up to 4 guests, featuring 5-6 hour trips targeting red grouper, red snapper, and Gulf species around Panama City Beach's productive offshore wrecks. All fishing gear, tackle, and expert instruction included with licensed guide experience and local knowledge of prime wreck locations. Contact for current rates and availability—book your Gulf Coast fishing adventure today.
Highlights of Private Wreck Fishing Charter Panama City Beach for Grouper & Mahi Mahi
This structured wreck fishing experience navigates inshore bays, jetties, and nearshore Gulf waters using proven bottom fishing and vertical jigging techniques. Recent success includes impressive 31-inch red snapper, quality red grouper measuring 17-19 inches, and mixed catches of barred sand bass. Captain Will's technique-driven approach maximizes fishing opportunities around underwater structures that hold trophy fish.
Summer offshore conditions provide peak season fishing for many Gulf species, with clear water and active feeding patterns around artificial reefs and shipwrecks. The trip accommodates all skill levels with comprehensive instruction and gear setup, making it ideal for both seasoned anglers and newcomers to saltwater fishing.
Local Species Insights: Red Grouper
Red grouper thrive around Panama City Beach's extensive wreck systems and artificial reefs, where they ambush prey from rocky crevices and structure. These bottom-dwelling predators feed actively during summer months, making July prime time for targeting quality fish in the 17-25 pound range. Captain Will's vertical jigging and bottom fishing techniques prove effective around the deeper wrecks where red grouper concentrate, particularly during early morning and late afternoon feeding periods.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your private wreck fishing charter includes all rods, reels, tackle, and bait with Captain Will providing gear setup and fishing instruction throughout the trip. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably with safety equipment and fish cleaning services. Early morning departures maximize fishing time during peak feeding periods, with flexible 5-6 hour options to match your schedule and target species preferences.
Fishing in Panama City Beach: Red Grouper
Red Grouper (Epinephelus morio) stands out among Gulf Coast species with its distinctive rusty red coloration and robust build. This member of the Serranidae family inhabits the nearshore and offshore waters around Panama City Beach, where anglers target them around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom structures. In July waters off Panama City Beach, red grouper become particularly active around deeper artificial reefs and shipwrecks.
Red Grouper Overview
Red grouper are prized gamefish known for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. These bottom-dwelling predators can reach impressive sizes, with typical catches ranging from 17 to 35 inches and weighing between 12 to 25 pounds. Their rusty red body coloration gradually lightens from the darker head and upper portions to a pinkish belly, with distinctive white spots scattered across their entire body.
Red Grouper Habitat and Distribution
Red grouper prefer hard bottom areas, artificial reefs, and shipwrecks in depths ranging from 30 to 200 feet. Around Panama City Beach, they concentrate near the extensive artificial reef system and natural limestone ledges that provide ambush points for feeding. These structures offer the rocky crevices and overhangs that red grouper use for shelter and hunting.
Red Grouper Size and Weight
Adult red grouper typically measure 17 to 35 inches in length, with weights ranging from 12 to 25 pounds. Trophy specimens can exceed these averages, with some fish reaching over 40 inches and 30+ pounds in Gulf waters. The species exhibits steady growth rates and can live over 25 years.
Red Grouper Diet and Behavior
Red grouper are opportunistic predators that feed on crabs, shrimp, small fish, and squid. They use ambush tactics, waiting motionless near structure before striking prey with lightning speed. Peak feeding activity occurs during dawn and dusk hours, though they remain active throughout the day around productive bottom structure.
Red Grouper Spawning Season
Red grouper spawn from March through July in Gulf waters, with peak activity during late spring and early summer months. During spawning season, they form aggregations over specific reef areas, making them more accessible to anglers. Water temperatures between 75-82°F trigger peak spawning behavior.
Red Grouper Fishing Techniques
Bottom fishing with heavy tackle proves most effective for red grouper, using circle hooks with live or cut bait such as pinfish, grunts, or squid. Vertical jigging with heavy jigs works well around structure, while slow trolling with large plugs can trigger strikes from suspended fish. In July around Panama City Beach, anglers find success fishing the 60-100 foot depth range where red grouper concentrate near artificial reefs and wrecks.
Red Grouper Is It Good to Eat?
Red grouper ranks among the finest eating fish in Gulf waters, with firm white meat and mild, sweet flavor. The flesh has excellent texture for grilling, baking, or frying, and the fish provides high-quality protein with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Red grouper has relatively low mercury levels compared to other large predatory fish.
Red Grouper Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for red grouper?
A: Live pinfish, grunts, and large shrimp work exceptionally well, along with cut bait such as squid strips and bonita chunks. Circle hooks in 6/0 to 8/0 sizes provide the best hookup ratios.
Q: Where can I find red grouper near Panama City Beach?
A: Red grouper concentrate around the artificial reef system, shipwrecks, and natural limestone ledges in 60-120 feet of water. The Blackwater and Destin artificial reefs hold consistent populations.
Q: Is red grouper good to eat?
A: Red grouper is considered premium table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor. The fish grills beautifully and works well in various cooking preparations from blackened to baked.
Q: When is the best time to catch red grouper?
A: Summer months from May through August provide excellent red grouper fishing, with July being particularly productive. Early morning and late afternoon feeding periods offer the most consistent action.
More species you can explore on this trip
Lets Go Fishing PCB Available Trips
Get ready for an action-packed day of wreck fishing off Panama City Beach with Captain Will at the helm. This 5-6 hour private charter takes you to prime spots in the inshore bays, jetties, and nearshore Gulf waters. You'll have a chance to reel in a variety of seasonal catches, from redfish and speckled trout inshore to red snapper and grouper around the offshore wrecks. The captain provides all the gear and know-how you need, so both newbies and seasoned anglers can join in on the fun. With room for up to 4 guests, you'll get plenty of individual attention and tips to improve your technique. Whether you're bottom fishing or trolling, this trip is all about maximizing your time on the water and filling the cooler with tasty fish. So grab your sunscreen and get ready for a day of hands-on fishing action in the beautiful waters of Panama City Beach.
