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Gag Grouper

Mycteroperca microlepis

Gag Grouper — Mycteroperca microlepis
Photo: Quinn · CC BY · iNaturalist

Offshore TABLE: Excellent DIFFICULTY

Streamlined gray grouper with wavy, marbled 'kissing-lips' markings and a notched dorsal; often confused with black grouper. Galveston fish commonly 8-25 lb, larger possible on wrecks and deep structure.

⚖ Texas & federal limits
Bag, size and season rules apply — several offshore species run on federal seasons that open and close by the year. Check the current TPWD Outdoor Annual →. Live season status: Gag Grouper season page →.

On the water

WhenBest during the annually-announced recreational gag season in Gulf federal waters - OPEN only Sep 1-Oct 1, 2026. Calm days for offshore runs; steady bite on structure.WhereWrecks, rocks, ledges, and rigs from mid-shelf out to offshore banks, ~80-300 ft. They favor high-relief structure and larger wrecks.HowHeavy bottom tackle with large live or cut baits pinned near the structure; lock the drag and turn their head immediately. Slow-pitch and speed jigs draw reaction strikes near wrecks.BehaviorAggressive ambush predators that hold tight to high-relief structure and rush bait; bigger gags dominate the best pieces of a wreck or reef.The fightBrutal, powerful surge for structure - one of the hardest-pulling reef fish for its size; heavy tackle and instant pressure required.

Baits that work

Tackle

Rod & reelHeavy conventional (50-80 lb class), 5.5-6.5 ft; electric reels for deep waterLine65-100 lb braidLeader80-150 lb mono/fluoroTerminalHeavy non-offset circle hooks 9/0-13/0 - required for reef fish in Gulf federal watersRigFish-finder/knocker rig with 8-24 oz sinker; heavy jigs on wrecks

The bait clock

☀ DawnLive piggy perch or pinfish on heavy bottom rig
Gags roam furthest from their holes in low light — the best big-fish window.
☼ MiddayLive hardtail/pinfish or large cut bait
They eat all day tight to wrecks and rocks; winching them out matters more than the hour.
☾ DuskLive bait or big swimming plug near structure
A second aggressive feed as light drops.

[{'months': [10, 11, 12], 'note': 'Cooler months push gags onto shallower nearshore structure within range.'}]

Relatively scarce off Galveston; structure lockdown, not time of day, defines this fishery.

Don’t confuse it with

Scamp GrouperScamp GrouperDIFFERENT LIMIT

Gag: gray with dark box-shaped marbling and a squared tail with a pale edge. Scamp: tan with small dark spots and a broom-tail (long trailing rays) on adults. Gag has a federal season and a larger minimum than scamp — check both.

Not sure? Point the Fish ID camera at it →

Keep or release

Handling & releaseStrong barotrauma from depth. Use a descending device or venting tool per the DESCEND Act; do not puncture the stomach. Especially important given the short season - recompress and release healthy.On the tablePrized white, firm fillet - a top Gulf grouper on the table.As baitNo - premium table fish.

The bar to beat

Texas state record69.4 lb · 51.0″ — Tommy AngelGulf of Mexico, TX, 2003
World record80.38 lb — Bill Smithoff Destin, FL, 1993

Records as compiled in the IronJetty guide (Aug 2026) — verify current marks with TPWD records / IGFA. World record 80 lb 6 oz.

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