The warsaw grouper a member of the large family of Serranidae, is sometimes called the black grouper of black jewfish. A very large species of fish they will typically be found far offshore along the snapper bank in deep water. Though sometimes junvenile can be caught along passes near shore during the winter months all large member with be far offshore. Diet consist of blue crab and squid but they will eat other smaller fish it one swims by and they are hungry. Because of it's size and strength in the hundreds of pounds anglers will not normally land one of these brutes of regular fishing tackle. Best methods for going after one of these brutes is by hand line. Which will usually consist of strong nylon cord attached to a cable or chain to help drag them out of their structure they can home. Warsaw's are edible but the larger of the family tend to be coarse. Best bet is to get them to the boat and snap a few pictures and release to fight another day.
State Record: 277 pounds Gulf of Mexico
October 26, 1989
Aubrey Eastwood, Matagorda
World Record: 436 pounds, 12 ounces Destin Florida
December 22, 1985
Steve Haeusler