April 8, 2014 — Madera Beach is home to some of the whitest sand along the Gulf Coast. It is also home to some of the best fishing, both recreational and commercial, especially Gulf Grouper.
Recreational fishermen enjoy targeting the fish, and customers at restaurant after restaurant along the Florida coast demand it.
“Grouper has become a very popular fish, not only in the state of Florida, but throughout the U.S.,” said 47-year fishing veteran Robert Spaeth, executive director of the Southern Offshore Fishing Association, whose association represents commercial grouper fishermen. “It is a wonderful white, mild tasting fish that consumers love.
The popularity of the fish in both recreational and commercial fishing sectors is leading to a showdown between the two groups, Spaeth fears.
Love for fishing for Spaeth was passed down from his father who came to the U.S. though Ellis Island. “He loved fishing, and took me with him some times. I grew to love it, and it became my passion. I never looked back, except for my time in Vietnam and collage,” he said. “I have a son who has the same passion, I guess it runs in the chromosomes.”
Grouper, which comes in a number of varieties, is mainly caught in the waters of the eastern Gulf. It can grow as large as 300 pounds, but average catch is between 10 -12 pounds. A majority of the fish is sold along the Gulf Coast states because consumers and chefs are familiar with the great taste and texture, but a large quantity is also sold on the east coast, especially New York.
Read the full story from the Gulf Seafood Institute