Goliath Fish
Epinephelus itajara
Also
known as: spotted
jewfish, great grouper
Avg. Size: 100+ lbs
Where: reefs, ledges, pilings
Fishing Methods: bottom, drift
Rods: spinning, baitcast, fly
Notes: Juveniles to a 100 lbs and adults can reach
500 lbs, make sure you and your tackle are ready.
Food Quality 
Important information from the FWC on Jewfish
Habitat
Occurring in shallow, inshore waters to depths of 150 feet (46 m), the
goliath grouper prefers areas of rock, coral, and mud bottoms. Strikingly
patterned juveniles inhabit mangroves and brackish estuaries, especially
near oyster bars. The goliath grouper is notable as one of the few groupers
found in brackish waters. This fish is solitary by nature, with the adults
occupying limited home ranges. It is territorial near areas of refuge
such as caves, wrecks, and ledges, displaying an open mouth and quivering
body to intruders. Additional warning may be delivered in the form of
the goliath grouper's ability to produce a distinctly audible rumbling
sound generated by the muscular contraction of the swim bladder. This
sound travels great distances underwater and is also used to locate other
goliath grouper.
Food Habits
Goliath grouper feed largely on crustaceans (in particular spiny lobsters,
shrimps and crabs), fishes (including stingrays and parrotfishes), octopus,
and young sea turtles. Prey is ambushed, caught with a quick rush and
snap of the jaws. The sharp teeth are adapted for seizing prey and preventing
escape although most prey is simply engulfed and swallowed whole.
Catch techniques:
Live snapper, jack, catfish
inshore. Live or dead large fish offshore.
lures and flies inshore.