1 Review
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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 the body. - Features distinctive white spots from head to tail base. - Prefers structured bottom habitat around wrecks and reefs.
Captain Will Blizard of Lets Go Fishing PCB on Wednesday June offers private wreck fishing charters targeting Red Grouper in Panama City Beach waters. This 4-hour beginner-friendly fishing charter explores productive wrecks and structures where Red Grouper, Red Snapper, and Greater Amberjack thrive. All tackle and guidance included for up to 4 guests, with techniques ranging from bottom fishing to vertical jigging. Book your Gulf Coast fishing adventure and experience the thrill of wreck fishing in some of Florida's most productive waters.
Captain Will Blizard of Lets Go Fishing PCB on Wednesday June specializes in private wreck fishing trips perfect for beginners and small groups. This 4-hour charter accommodates up to 4 guests with all gear, tackle, and expert guidance included. We target productive wrecks and structures off Panama City Beach where Red Grouper, Red Snapper, and Greater Amberjack are actively feeding. Rates include fishing licenses, safety equipment, and fish cleaning services. Contact us directly to check availability and secure your preferred departure time.
This hands-on fishing experience teaches essential techniques while maximizing your chances of success on Panama City Beach wrecks. Captain Will guides you through bottom fishing, trolling, and vertical jigging methods that consistently produce results. The trip focuses on education and enjoyment, making it ideal for families, couples, or anyone new to Gulf Coast fishing. Recent trips have yielded quality Red Grouper up to 18 inches, along with Red Snapper and hard-fighting Amberjack.
We fish productive nearshore and offshore structures based on seasonal patterns and current conditions. The Northwest Florida waters off PCB hold some of the Gulf's most reliable fishing, with wrecks that concentrate baitfish and attract larger predators year-round.
Red Grouper thrive around the artificial reefs and natural wrecks off Panama City Beach, where they ambush prey from rocky crevices and structure. These bottom-dwellers prefer depths of 30-200 feet and respond well to live bait, cut fish, and heavy jigs worked near the bottom. June fishing finds them actively feeding as water temperatures rise, making this an excellent time to target quality fish in the 17-25 pound range. Their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style make every hookup memorable, especially when they try to dive back into the wreck structure.
Your 4-hour wreck fishing adventure begins with a safety briefing and gear overview at the marina. Captain Will provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait while explaining the techniques we'll use based on current conditions. The boat is equipped with fish finders, safety equipment, and comfortable seating for up to 4 anglers. We typically fish 2-4 different wreck sites to maximize variety and action, with the captain adjusting locations based on weather, tides, and fish activity. All fish are cleaned and bagged for you to take home, and we're happy to provide cooking tips for your fresh Gulf catch.
The Red Grouper (Epinephelus morio) belongs to the order Perciformes and family Serranidae, making it one of the most sought-after bottom fish in Gulf Coast waters. This distinctive species can easily be identified by its rusty red coloration that darkens toward the head and upper body, gradually lightening to a pinkish hue on the belly. White spots scattered across its body from head to tail, combined with irregular blotches along the sides, make Red Grouper unmistakable among Panama City Beach anglers this June.
Red Grouper are prized gamefish that combine excellent table fare with exciting fishing action. These ambush predators inhabit structured bottom areas where they can quickly dart out to capture prey before retreating to cover. Anglers value them for their firm, white meat and the challenge they present when hooked near wrecks and reefs.
Red Grouper thrive in nearshore and offshore waters from 30 to 200 feet deep, preferring hard bottom areas with natural or artificial structure. Off Panama City Beach, they concentrate around shipwrecks, artificial reefs, and rocky outcroppings where baitfish and crustaceans are abundant. These fish establish territories around specific structures and can be found in the same areas consistently.
Adult Red Grouper typically range from 17 to 35 inches in length, with weights between 12 and 25 pounds. Trophy specimens can exceed these averages, with some fish reaching 40+ inches and weights over 30 pounds in deeper Gulf waters.
Red Grouper are opportunistic feeders that consume fish, crabs, shrimp, and squid. They hunt primarily during dawn and dusk periods, using their large mouths to create suction that draws prey from crevices. These fish are territorial and will aggressively defend their chosen structure from other grouper.
Red Grouper spawn from March through July in deeper offshore waters, with peak activity occurring when water temperatures reach 75-80°F. During spawning season, they form aggregations at specific reef sites before returning to their individual territories.
Bottom fishing with live or cut bait produces the most consistent results for Red Grouper. Heavy tackle is essential due to their tendency to dive into structure when hooked. Popular baits include live pinfish, grunts, cut bonito, and squid. In June, Panama City Beach anglers find success using 6-8 oz sinkers to keep baits near the bottom around wrecks, where these fish actively feed during the warmer months.
Red Grouper ranks among the finest eating fish in Gulf waters, featuring firm, white meat with a mild, sweet flavor. The flesh is low in fat and high in protein, making it excellent for grilling, baking, or frying. Its versatility in the kitchen and clean taste make it a favorite among both recreational and commercial fishermen.
Q: What is the best bait for Red Grouper?
A: Live pinfish, grunts, and cut bonito work exceptionally well. Fresh cut bait like bonito strips or squid also produces consistent results when fished on the bottom near structure.
Q: Where can I find Red Grouper near Panama City Beach?
A: Red Grouper concentrate around the numerous artificial reefs and shipwrecks in 40-120 feet of water off Panama City Beach. Popular spots include the Blackwater, Chippewa, and various artificial reef sites.
Q: Is Red Grouper good to eat?
A: Red Grouper is considered premium table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor. It's excellent grilled, blackened, or prepared as fish tacos, and is low in mercury compared to many other Gulf species.
Q: When is the best time to catch Red Grouper?
A: Red Grouper bite year-round, but June through August offers excellent action as they feed actively in warmer water. Early morning and late afternoon typically produce the best results.
Ready for a fun day of fishing in Panama City Beach? Join Captain Will on this laid-back 4-hour charter perfect for newcomers to wreck fishing. You'll head out to inshore and nearshore spots where the fish are biting, with a good shot at hooking gag grouper, king mackerel, and other local catches. The captain will show you the ropes, teaching basic techniques and safety tips as you go. It's a great way for families, couples, or small groups to spend time on the water together while picking up some fishing skills. No need to worry about gear - everything you need is provided. Whether you're a total beginner or just looking to brush up your skills, this trip offers a relaxed, hands-on intro to wreck fishing in the beautiful waters off Panama City Beach.