Robust brownish-red grouper with a sloping head, spotting, and rounded (not notched) dorsal spines; often shows pale blotches. Galveston fish commonly 5-15 lb, larger on deeper hard bottom.
⚖ 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 →.
On the water
WhenYear-round on the banks (with a Feb 1-Mar 31 shallow-water grouper closure). Best on calm days for the long runs; steady bite through the day on structure.WhereHard bottom, ledges, and rocky relief, generally deeper and farther out - offshore banks and deeper hard bottom in ~120-300+ ft. Less common than in the eastern Gulf but present on Galveston-area banks.HowBottom fishing with big baits on heavy tackle right on the rocks; you must pull them off the bottom immediately or they hole up. Live bait and large cut baits produce; heavy jigs work too.BehaviorSolitary, structure-holding ambush predators that excavate and hold in rocky depressions and ledges, feeding on fish and crustaceans.The fightPowerful initial dive for the rocks - win the first few seconds or you lose them to the structure.
Baits that work
Live pinfish, hardtails, or cigar minnows
Large cut bonito/mackerel
Whole squid
Heavy jigs
Tackle
Rod & reelHeavy conventional (50-80 lb class), 5.5-6.5 ft; electric reels common in deep waterLine65-100 lb braidLeader80-130 lb mono/fluoroTerminalHeavy non-offset circle hooks 8/0-12/0 - required for reef fish in Gulf federal watersRigFish-finder/Carolina or knocker rig with 8-24 oz sinker to hold bottom in current
The bait clock
☀ DawnLive pinfish or fresh-dead sardine on bottom
Grouper feed most aggressively in early low light over live bottom.
☼ MiddayCut squid, sardines, or slow-pitch jigs
An ambush bottom feeder that eats all day; finding the right rock matters most.
☾ DuskFresh cut bait tight to structure
A late feed before they hole up for the night.
[{'months': [6, 7, 8, 9], 'note': 'Summer calm spells allow runs to the deeper live bottom they favor.'}]
Uncommon off Galveston versus Florida; structure and depth matter far more than time of day.
Handling & releaseSevere barotrauma from deep water (bulging eyes, everted stomach, bloated belly, floats at the surface). Use a descending device or venting tool per the DESCEND Act; never puncture the stomach. Support the body and minimize air time.On the tableThick, white, moist fillets - premium table fare.As baitNo - prime table fish.
The bar to beat
Texas state record
25.0 lb · 33.25″ — Brian Johnson
Gulf of Mexico, TX, 2020
World record
42.25 lb — Del Wiseman Jr.
off St. Augustine, FL, 1997
Records as compiled in the IronJetty guide (Aug 2026) — verify current marks with TPWD records / IGFA. World record 42 lb 4 oz.
