Speckled Hind Grouper 
Speckled Hind Grouper
Epinephelus drummondhayi
Average Weight/Length
Can run to 40 pounds or more; most catches range from 5 to 20 pounds. World record 52 pounds, 8 ounces;
Other "Popular" Names for this Fish
Kitty Mitchell, Calico Grouper
Location Habitat
An occasional small specimen is caught by bottom-fishing in perhaps 200 feet of water in the Keys, but most stick to ledges and outcroppings at least 300 feet down. They are probably plentiful in much deeper water. Inhabits offshore rocky bottoms; most common between 60 and 120 m
Biology & Physical Description
Generally dark gray or reddish brown, with a profusion of small, creamy or white spots on sides, gill covers and fins. Sometimes light tan or yellow with whiter spots. Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9
Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)
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Summary of Distribution: Western Atlantic: Bermuda and the coast of the USA from North Carolina to the Florida Keys and in the northern and eastern Gulf of Mexico. Reports from Cuba and the Bahamas are unsubstantiated. |
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Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org) |
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Tackle & Baits
Electric reels and wire line. Catches on sporting tackle are seldom made by design. Any kind of cut bait seems to work well.
Game Rating
Game Rating : 7/10
Game Description :
Seldom caught on sporting gear, but when they are especially if that gear is a reasonably light outfit, the fight begins strong but diminishes fast as the fish is brought higher in the water column. This, of course, is typical with any sort of Grouper that is hooked at depth. Somewhere along the way, the pressure changes enough to send them bobbing upward.
Food Rating
Game Rating : 8.5/10
Game Description :
This and other deepwater species that follow are considered even better table fare than shallow-water species. The same is true of deep-sea Snappers and Porgies. It is theorized that the great pressures under which they live helps make the flesh more succulent.