Mycteroperca microlepis
Gray Grouper, Grass Grouper, Copper Belly
The Gag is brownish gray in color with wavy markings on the side that generally do not form boxes or circles. Its fins have black backgrounds with a bluish coloring along the edge. The tail is slightly concave and has a white mark on the anal and caudal fins. Their color deepens to dark brown shortly after removal from water.
Gags will feed on crabs, shrimp, and squid but prefer small fish such as porgies, grunts and snapper.
Gags are usually found throughout Florida and Bahamas.
The adults are found offshore over rocky ledges and reefs. Younger fish are usually found inshore on the sea grass beds.
Most common Gag catches range between 2 and 12 pounds, but some grow to 50 pounds.
80 pounds, 6 ounces (IGFA)