Scamp Grouper

Scamp grouper are a very important commercial species of grouper.

Region

South

Catch ease

Medium

Habitat

Ocean

HOW TO IDENTIFY A SCAMP GROUPER

The scamp grouper has a typical body shape for a grouper but has elongated rays protruding from the caudal fin like those of a broomtail grouper. The body is deep tan or chocolate brown in color and there are numerous darker markings that form dots, lines or groupings of lines. Like many species of grouper, the scamp grouper is born as a female specimen and transforms into a male as it grows larger. Sexual maturity is reached when the fish is approximately 12 inches in length. Most specimens of 24 inches or less are typically female. Scamp grouper feed primarily on other fish but crustaceans and octopus are also common food items. A scamp can and will feed on anything that it can fit into its mouth. These fish can be found most often hiding under structure such as rocks, ledges, wrecks, or reefs and will ambush prey as it swims by. Most scamp grouper will be less than 10 pounds but some of the largest specimens may reach 20 or more pounds.

WHERE TO CATCH SCAMP GROUPER

The scamp grouper ranges from North Carolina down through Florida and into the Gulf of Mexico where it is most abundant. This fish can be found over hard bottoms such as rocky outcrops and coral reefs found in deeper waters (100-300 feet) than most other groupers. Juvenile fish tend to remain in shallower waters and occupy areas with structure such as jetties and mangroves. The scamp grouper is the most common grouper species found off of the west coast of Florida and these fish are particularly fond of Oculina coral formations. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

Coastal Waters

Man-Made Structures

Night Fishing

Reefs, Wrecks, and Shoals

Jetties and Breakwaters

Mangroves

Piers, Docks and Pilings

HOW TO CATCH SCAMP GROUPER

These fish are excellent fighters on light tackle and are also a great eating species. Most often gags must be caught on stout tackle because of the sheer depths that they inhabit which require the use of heavy weights to reach the bottom. Scamp can be caught while anchored or drift fishing and heavy chumming techniques are often used. Trolling lipped diving plugs is also an effective approach for smaller gag grouper. Any small fish can be used as bait while bottom fishing but shrimp, squid and cut bait will also work. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: