Red Grouper

     Epinephelus morio, or Red Grouper is a brownish red, bottom dwelling fish. The patterns on the sides of the Grouper are unorganized and like DNA, no two fish have the same pattern. The common weight of a Red Grouper is 15 pounds. Not much higher than the average, the record Red Grouper came in weighing 39 pounds and 8 ounces. Some Red Grouper go through a sex reversal, young females turn into males as they age. 
     There are many ways to catch Red Grouper including trolling, and flat lining but the most common method is bottom fishing. Bottom fishing is simply putting your bait on a hook with a heavy weight and dropping it too the bottom, and waiting for a fish to bite. A common saying when fishing for Grouper is "Big bait, big fish, small bait, small fish. Many Grouper fisherman fish with live baits such as pinfish and large grunts. One of the biting characteristics of a Grouper is that as soon as they bite, they take the bait down to the bottom of the ocean. 
     When you are bottom fishing for Grouper you should fish at depths of 4 to 12 feet. When trolling for Red Grouper you should be at depths of 14 to 25 feet. Water temperatures between 66 and 77 degrees is the best temperatures to catch Grouper. Grouper are commonly found near structures due to their tendency to hide once they get hooked. 
     Grouper are known for their large meats in proportion to their body. Here is a recipe courtesy of "FoodNetwork.com"

Ingredients

• 1 (6-ounce) grouper fillet (or other thick fish fillet)
• Salt and pepper
• Paprika
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3 slices medium-thick white bread, lightly toasted
• 2 large tomato slices
• Bean sprouts
• 4 slices thick bacon, cooked until crisp

Directions

Season grouper with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a medium-sized skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sear fillet on both sides, cooking until fish is done throughout; be careful not overcook. Remove from heat and set aside.

Slice avocado and squeeze lemon juice over avocado to prevent browning. To assemble club, spread mayonnaise on first slice of toast, face up. Place 1 slice tomato, sprouts, and grouper on top. Spread mayonnaise on second slice of bread and put on top ofgrouper, mayonnaise side down. Spread mayonnaise on top of second slice. Top that with avocado slices, 1 tomato slice, more sprouts, and the bacon. Spread mayonnaise onto third slice of bread and top the sandwich. Cut into fourths and place a toothpick in each piece.

Works Cited

3mariposas_8924114, By. "Grouper Club Recipe : Paula Deen : Food Network." Food Network - Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas and Chef Recipe Videos. Web. 24 Oct. 2010. <http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/grouper-club-recipe/index.html>.

"How to Catch Grouper - Grouper Fishing for the Beginner." Key West Hotels Key West Hotel Florida Keys Fishing Key West Hotels Diving Key West Fishing Charters Key Largo Hotel Islamorada Hotels Fishing Charter Marathon Fishing Charters. Web. 24 Oct. 2010. <http://www.flkinfo.com/fishing-articles/GrouperFishing.htm>.

"Red Grouper, Fish Identification." Indian River County, Florida - Home Page. Web. 24 Oct. 2010. <http://indian-river.fl.us/fishing/fish/groupred.html>