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The
Jewfish or Goliath Grouper is also quite common in our area.
Ever wonder just what it was that ate that fish you were pulling up.
The wrecks and large rocks in our area have many jewfish on them.
Catch a triggerfish, Jack Crevalle, or Spanish Mackerel and put it
down. Hold on because if there is a Jewfish on the spot, he will
take the bait and give you a ride.
If you do catch one, please be careful.
Leave the fish in the water and take your pictures. Remember it
is unlawful to harvest this fish. Since Jewfish are quite large,
you run a real risk of hurting the fish, should you remove it from the
support that the water gives its internal organs.
Jewfish
Goliath Grouper
Family
Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER
Epinephelus itajara
Description: head and fins covered with small
black spots; irregular dark and vertical bars present
on the sides of body; pectoral and caudal fins
rounded; first dorsal fin shorter than and not
separated from second dorsal; adults huge, up to 800
pounds; eyes small.
Similar
Fish: other grouper.
Where
found: NEARSHORE often around docks, in deep
holes, and on ledges; young often occur in estuaries,
especially around oyster bars; more abundant in
southern Florida than in northern waters.
Size:
largest of the groupers.
*Florida
Record: 680 lbs.
Remarks:
spawns over summer months; lifespan of 30 to 50 years;
feeds on crustaceans and fish. NOTE: jewfish are
totally protected from harvest in Florida waters.
* The
Florida records quoted are from the Department of
Environmental Protection's printed publication,
Fishing Lines and are not necessarily the most current
ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark.
Regulations
It is
unlawful to harvest, possess, land, purchase, sell or
exchange the following species:
Nassau Grouper, Goliath Grouper (Jewfish), Sawfish,
Basking Shark, Whale Shark, Spotted Eagle Ray, Sturgeon,
White Shark, Sand Tiger Shark, Big Eye Sand Tiger Shark,
Manta Ray
Min. Size
Limits:
Closed
Seasons: None.
Daily Rec.
Bag Limit:
Remarks:
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