When red grouper are around the Lower Keys
Red grouper fishing out of the Lower Keys is a bottom game that runs from inshore patches out to the outer reef. FishingBooker’s Cudjoe Key page rates red grouper as good in September, so plan fall trips around it. Rules change, so check current ones before you go; the Regulations section below points to the right pages. For the wider coast, see the red grouper fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide.
How far boats run
According to Coastal Angler out of Big Pine, bottom ranges from inshore patches close to shore out to the outer reef. Most boats work that band, and a few go well past it on combined mahi and grouper days. The run, near to far:
- Inshore patches close to shore.
- Newfound Harbor, Spanish Harbor and Niles channels as the routes out.
- Looe Key Reef, about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key, and American Shoal on the reef line.
- The Humps offshore of Cudjoe Key, then the Adolphus Busch Sr. wreck at 112 ft.
- Wood’s Wall, about 30 miles out, at the far end.
Wood’s Wall marks how far some boats go on mahi and grouper days; it is not grouper bottom.
Mark the named structure on the Chart Contours layer in Breakpoint before you run. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Grounds and structure
The named structure below runs from shore outward. Depths and positions are as listed; blank cells are not given.
| Ground | Depth | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Looe Key Reef | 35 ft | About 6 miles south of Big Pine Key |
| American Shoal | Southwest of Big Pine Key | |
| The Humps | Offshore of Cudjoe Key | |
| Adolphus Busch Sr. artificial reef wreck | 112 ft | |
| Wood’s Wall | 2000 ft | About 30 miles off the Atlantic coast of Big Pine Key |
Newfound Harbor, Spanish Harbor and Niles channels
These three channels are the routes from the keys out toward the grounds. Plan your exit through one of them, then turn for the reef line.
Looe Key Reef
Looe Key Reef sits in 35 ft, about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key. Use it as a reference point on the reef line. It lies in sanctuary-managed water, so check the NOAA Sanctuary Preservation Area boundaries before you fish near it.
American Shoal
American Shoal lies southwest of Big Pine Key, on the reef line. It is the next mark along the line from Looe Key.
The Humps
The Humps sit offshore of Cudjoe Key and are the Cudjoe boats’ offshore structure.
Adolphus Busch Sr. wreck
The Adolphus Busch Sr. is an artificial reef wreck in 112 ft, the deepest named bottom in the run before Wood’s Wall.
Wood’s Wall
Wood’s Wall drops to 2000 ft, about 30 miles off the Atlantic coast of Big Pine Key. At that depth it is not grouper bottom. It serves as the far landmark on mahi and grouper days.
Newfound Harbor Key SPA
NOAA lists Newfound Harbor Key as a Sanctuary Preservation Area. Mark it on your chart and check NOAA’s rules before you fish nearby. It is not a fishing ground.
How red grouper are fished locally
The local method is straightforward, and the general red grouper picture is covered in the species guide. This section covers what works from this port.
Live bait and chum on bottom
Local boats fish live bait and chum on bottom. Set up over structure, put the bait down, and keep the chum working.
A bottom rod while yellowtailing
A Lower Keys forecast suggests keeping a rod on the bottom while yellowtailing, for grouper or mutton. That adds a second target to a trip you already run. For the rest of the species, see the reef fish guides.
Who fishes for them out of this port
Salty Paradise Charters out of Cudjoe Key lists grouper on its mahi and grouper trip. Private boats work the same ground, from the inshore patches to the outer reef. The combined mahi and grouper day is the common pattern.
FAQ: red grouper out of the Lower Keys
What is the best month for red grouper out of the Lower Keys?
September. FishingBooker’s Cudjoe Key page rates red grouper as good that month. Rules change, so check current ones before you plan.
How far out do boats run for grouper?
From the inshore patches to the outer reef. Looe Key sits about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key. Wood’s Wall, about 30 miles out, is the far end on mahi and grouper days.
Can you bottom fish Looe Key Reef?
Looe Key sits within sanctuary preservation area rules. Check NOAA’s boundaries and rules before you fish there.
Can you add grouper to a yellowtail trip?
Yes. Locals keep a rod on the bottom while yellowtailing for grouper or mutton, using live bait and chum on bottom.
Where do I check red grouper rules?
Use the Florida regulations page, plus NOAA for the Sanctuary Preservation Areas. State, federal, Atlantic and Gulf rules differ.
