TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Scamp grouper is known for its speckled brown spots, flared tail, and incredible taste! They might just be one of the most sought-after groupers in the Gulf.

Scamp grouper are another species that do require a little deeper water and a farther trip offshore. Captain Ryan Amaturo with Reel Nauti Fishing Charters says he has success in the 150 to 250 foot depth range. He also said, they do come in a little closer during their spawning months in the spring.

Out on the boat with him, Amanda caught a decent size scamp in 180 feet of water. Amaturo said, “They’re really fun and something that is open to keep right now because you can take them home, they’re great table fair.”

Tasty but oh so pretty as well!

“They’re an awesome looking fish. Their tails, how it flairs out like that, just so cool,” said Amaturo, “Sometimes they’ll be real dark and then lighten up. They’ve got beautiful blue eyes.”

They like a variety of baits, both live and cut bait. Amaturo said live pin fish and greenbacks work well for him but he actually has a lot of success with slow pitching vertical jigs.

As far as tackle goes, Amaturo said he has caught scamp on all different sizes of leader and on anything from an old school knocker rig, a fish finder rig or even a chicken rig.

They are a species that like hard bottom, not sandy reef. Look for structure on your sounder, like rocks, ledges, wrecks and holes. Anything that will give them a spot to hide.

Scamp grouper are not as big as many other groupers but what they lack in size, they make up for in flavor! It is a tasty fish that has very flaky meat that is not fishy at all.