Scamp Grouper (Mycteroperca phenax) represent a prize in the bag limit of all bottom fishermen. They are considered the best eating of all of the grouper by most fishermen. Scamps as well as a very close relative, the Yellow Mouth Grouper, may be targeted specifically by species and a generous bag limit will allow you to make sure that you have some great eating when you get home.
Although the average size of the Scamp Grouper is around 4 to 6 pounds but it is not uncommon to catch them up to 8 pounds or more. The largest that we have taken to date was a whopping 24 pounds caught by George Foti from the waters around the Dry Tortugas. These fish will readily take live or dead bait as well as jigs.
The Scamp may be baked, broiled, fried and in fish chowder. The only way that this fish in not good is if it is over cooked. Recipes for cooking Scamp Grouper as well as other types of fish can be found on our Weekly Recipes page.
Scamp Grouper Photo Gallery
Scamp Grouper Fishing Locations
Dry Tortugas
The Dry Tortugas is the last, great vestige of sportfishing in the northern hemisphere. This remote group of islands are surrounded by more than ten thousand square miles of fishing resources that have remained relatively untapped due to the time that it would take to cover this vast and remote area.
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico, for our purposes, begins at the North side of the flats, along the lower Florida Keys and includes a portion of the Florida Bay, continuing to the West and North of the Dry Tortugas, encompassing more than 5000 square miles of fishable water within range of our hi-tech, offshore boats.
Key West
Key West offers the sportfishing enthusiast the largest variety of gamefish in the world. Other locations will argue that they are the sportfishing capital of the world, or the best for this species or that particular fish. There are more “I.G.F.A. World Records” from the waters of Key West than the next closest, several locations combined.
Marquesas
Marquesas is a magical word that conjures thoughts of tropical breezes, emerald green water surrounding a tropical island paradise. A ring of islands surrounded by acres and acres of pristine water and shallow flats where giant Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Mutton Snappers, great Barracudas and monster Sharks of all kinds prowl the flats.
