SeaAj
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Best months
May–October
Where
- Rocks
- Deep water
Best time
- Daytime
Conditions
- Calm sea
Usual size
50–120 cm
General guidance for the Mediterranean and the nearby Atlantic; local seasons can differ.
How to catch it
Methods
- Bottom fishing
- Jigging
Baits
- Live fish
- Squid
Lures
- Metal jigs
The angler's tip
Protected or strictly limited in many countries: check the rules first. If caught by chance, bring it up slowly and release it at once.
Easily confused with
Legal minimum size
| Country | Minimum size | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | ≥ 50 cm | Source Checked 2026-10-25 |
| Portugal | Fishing prohibited | Source Checked 2026-10-23 |
Rules change. Check the official source before you keep a fish; this table is not legal advice.
About this fish
Epinephelus marginatus, the dusky grouper, yellowbelly rock cod, or yellowbelly grouper, is a species of fish in the grouper family, Epinephelidae. It is found in coastal waters, primarily at the edges of the Atlantic Ocean – off western Africa and eastern South America – and also in the Indian Ocean around South Africa, Madagascar and Réunion, and throughout the Mediterranean.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to catch Dusky grouper?
The best months are May–October. Best time of the day: Daytime.
What bait or lure works for Dusky grouper?
Live fish, Squid · Metal jigs · Bottom fishing, Jigging.
What is the legal minimum size of Dusky grouper?
Morocco: 50 cm; Portugal: Fishing prohibited.
Related species
These are estimates, not guarantees. Always look at the sea yourself before going out, do not go alone and wear a life jacket.