Scamp Grouper

Scamp grouper is considered a high-quality food fish, with a firm texture and a sweet, mild flavor. It is often grilled, broiled, baked, or fried and is commonly served with lemon butter, garlic, and herbs.

Scamp Grouper, also known as Mycteroperca phenax, is a species of saltwater fish belonging to the Serranidae family. It is a bottom-dwelling fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina to Florida, and throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

Appearance

Scamp grouper has a stocky and compressed body with a large mouth, with the upper jaw extending past the eye. It has a dark brown or reddish-brown body with a distinct pattern of white spots on its head, body, and fins. The maximum length of a scamp grouper is around 40 inches and it can weigh up to 50 pounds.

Habitat

Scamp grouper inhabits deep-water rocky ledges and coral reefs, preferring areas with hard bottoms at depths of 20-300 feet. It is commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico, but also occurs in the western Atlantic from North Carolina to Florida.

Fishing and Seasonality

Scamp grouper can be caught year-round, but they are most abundant during the summer months. They are commonly caught using bottom fishing techniques, such as jigging, bait fishing, and trolling. Regulations on scamp grouper fishing vary by state and location, so it is important to check local fishing regulations before fishing for scamp grouper.

Culinary

Scamp grouper is considered a high-quality food fish, with a firm texture and a sweet, mild flavor. It is often grilled, broiled, baked, or fried and is commonly served with lemon butter, garlic, and herbs.

Conservation

Scamp grouper populations are currently stable, but they are vulnerable to overfishing due to their slow growth rate and late maturity. In the Gulf of Mexico, scamp grouper is managed under a quota system, with strict catch limits and size restrictions in place to ensure sustainable fishing practices. In addition, efforts are being made to reduce bycatch and protect the habitats of scamp grouper through the establishment of marine protected areas.