Red Grouper
Along with the popular Gag Grouper the open Gulf off the shores of Tampa Bay is loaded with a tremendous amount of Red Grouper. The majority are found a short distance into the open Gulf to far offshore depending on the water temperature. They make for unbelievable action. Many times it is as fast as you can get your bait to the bottom, if you can get it there before a willing Red Grouper bites it. They range in size from a pound to 25 pounds. 30 pounders have been caught on occasion. The keeper minimum is 20 inches. They are shorter and stockier than there cousin the Gag Grouper. A 20 inch Red Grouper would be similar in weight to a 22 inch Gag Grouper.