The giant grouper is a great and fascinating fish to seek out on deep sea fishing excursions near Miami. As the second-largest living type of bony fish on the planet — when fully-grown, they can reach sizes of up to 8 feet long and weigh as much as 600 pounds — they are definitely a seriously impressive catch.
Curiously, the giant grouper, known as jewfish by the locals, face an interesting predator-prey paradoxical. As they get older, they become so large that they can no longer find enough suitable food sources to keep themselves healthy, so they are too susceptible to being preyed upon and hunted. If fishing for high-seas adventure, this would suggest to fishers that they may be better off targeting more younger-sized specimens.
Giant groupers possess a formidable jaw lined with 151-203 teeth protruding from both sides, making them more than capable of defending themselves from attacks by larger predators. In contrast, grouper juveniles rely on their natural camouflage to sneak around potential predators, and stay safe enough to pursue a good source of food and grow to our impressive, intimidating size.
These giants have a bit of an odd courting ritual; they gather in the late summer months during the full moon for a dance of sorts. Heard from miles away, however, is the same haunting sound created by grouper preparing to spawn; underwater, a shower of vibrational thrashes (or clicks) can be heard against the ambient noise of the sea – making it quite the incredible sight.
In regards to eating, grouper is a light, flaky whitefish with a moist texture and mild flavor, making it ideal for a wide variety of preparation techniques. Often served as a fillet, its neutral taste and color makes them particularly suited for lighter sauces like citrus or herb vinaigrettes.
As far as safety, giant groupers are not considered dangerous to humans, regardless of the size, and catching one does not pose any real risk for deep sea fishing enthusiasts in and around Miami. However, while they are not typically found near shore, they are powerful enough to take the bait from an angler.
When it comes to Groupers, the best tip for Miami deep sea fishing trips is to aim for a fish that’s about the size of a soccer ball — older specimens may be yank your line into the depths of the ocean. Be gracious in victory when you catch one — just remember that as large as these fish can get, they are in surprisingly sustainable numbers and keeping one around can only increase their numbers in timid predator shrimp.
Are you ready to test your angling skills and try catching a giant grouper? To book your trip with Captain Stan and his crew of Miami fishing experts, call us today 305.945.1578.