Red grouper fishing out of Key Largo follows a seasonal split: shallow patch reefs in winter, deeper reefs off Key Largo in summer. This guide covers the season, the named structure with depths, and where the rules live, for anglers running their own boat. It won’t promise fish, but it should help you decide where to look. For the wider coast, see the red grouper fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the wider Atlantic Southeast guide.
When red grouper are off Key Largo
Season decides depth. The table below shows where to point the bow, and the red grouper species guide gives the general picture.
| Season | Where the fish are off Key Largo |
|---|---|
| Winter | Shallow patch reefs |
| Summer | Deeper reefs off Key Largo |
Winter
Red grouper off Key Largo are a winter fish on the shallow patch reefs, which is where the Upper Keys fishery starts.
Summer
In summer the fish move to the deeper reefs off Key Largo, and your run changes with them.
Where boats run from Key Largo
Where you run depends on the month. Shallow patch reefs are the winter water and deeper reefs off Key Largo are the summer water. Both sit on the Atlantic side of the Upper Keys.
- Winter: shallow patch reefs
- Summer: deeper reefs off Key Largo
- Either season: match your depth to the month before you choose a mark
Shallow patch reefs in winter
Winter runs stay on the shallow patch reefs.
Deeper reefs in summer
Summer runs head to the deeper reefs off Key Largo. The named deep structure near Key Largo sits between 110 and 135 ft.
Grounds and structure near Key Largo
All four marks below are artificial reefs. Duane and Spiegel Grove are artificial reef wrecks, and Eagle is an FWC Florida Keys artificial reef. The FWC Florida Keys artificial reefs listing carries the depths.
| Name | Type | Depth (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Duane | artificial reef wreck | 118 |
| Spiegel Grove | artificial reef wreck | 135 |
| Alva Chapman Reef | artificial reef | 118 |
| Eagle | FWC Florida Keys artificial reef | 110 |
Chart Contours in the app shows the depth around these marks. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How red grouper are fished here
Key Largo anglers target red grouper on the reef, and a local operator lists them by name.
Reef fishing
Key Largo fishes red grouper as reef fishing. Rigs and approach are covered in our reef fishing guides.
Who fishes for them
Key Largo Fishing Adventures lists grouper in its listing text and red grouper on its target list.
FAQ about red grouper fishing out of Key Largo
When is red grouper season off Key Largo?
Red grouper are on the shallow patch reefs in winter and on deeper reefs off Key Largo in summer.
Where do red grouper hold in winter?
On the shallow patch reefs off Key Largo.
How deep is the Spiegel Grove?
135 ft. It is an artificial reef wreck near Key Largo.
Which charter lists red grouper?
Key Largo Fishing Adventures lists red grouper on its target list.
Where are the grouper rules?
With FWC and on the Florida regulations page. Check them before you fish.
