gag-grouper
Species Facts

Science Name: Mycteroperca microlepis
Other Names: gag, charcoal belly
World Record: 80 lbs. 6 ounces, Fl.
Environment: bottom fishing med tackle
Techniques: bottom fishing, medium tackle
Description

Brownish gray in color with dark worm-like markings on sides; strong serrated spur at bottom margin of preopercle, less noticeable in large specimens; fins dark, with anal and caudal having white margin. Often confused with black grouper; tail of gag is slightly concave, black is square; gag has white margin on anal and caudal fins, black does not; under 10 pounds, gag's spur on preopercle is distinctive, where black is gently rounded.

Habitat
Young groupers stay in grassy, shallow waters and move deeper as they age. Offshore, they live in the typical grouper environs: rocky ledges, reefs, etc.

Feeding Habits
Gag grouper will feed on crabs, shrimp, and squid but prefer small fish such as porgies, grunts and snapper.

Spawning
Forms spawning aggregations in water no shallower than 120 feet in Middle Grounds area, January through March; current research to identify similar aggregations off the Atlantic coast is ongoing. Young gags are predominantly female, transforming into males as they grow larger; feeds on fish and squid.

Tips for Fishing

Bottom fishing with squid, cut or live bait works pretty well when gag fishing.